What is Fluorosis?

If you have a child, be sure to instruct him or her on proper tooth brushing practice. Many children enjoy the minty taste of their paste too much, and are inclined to swallow it like a piece of candy. This can lead to them getting too much fluoride in their systems, which can cause fluorosis.

Roughly a quarter of Americans are affected by fluorosis . The condition generally occurs in children under the age of nine, and manifests as a discoloration of the permanent teeth as they come in. Their teeth may have stains that range in color from faint to dark brown. In the more severe cases, there may also be irregularities on the surface of the tooth, or highly noticeable pitting.

Fluorosis is largely a cosmetic condition, but can affect the self-esteem of a young child. Fortunately, there are options available to deal with affected teeth. Consult our Issaquah dentist clinic to learn more about how much fluoride is appropriate for a child, or how to deal with fluoride problems.