What is Fluorosis? A Quick Overview!

What is it?

• Also known as dental fluorosis.

• It is a change in the appearance of the tooth's enamel surface.

• Characterized as ranging from yellow to dark brown color, surface irregularities, or pits that are noticeable.

Caused by?

• Consuming too much fluoride ( from toothpaste, fortified foods, and drinking water) over a period of time during teeth formation years.

• Discoloration caused is very mild.

• Can develop any time between birth - 8 years of age.

Sources?

• Dietary supplements

• Oral care products (toothpaste/mouthwash)

• Processed food/ beverages with fluoridated water

• Infant formula

How to prevent it?

• Monitor while your child brushes his/her teeth so that they don’t consume/swallow any of the toothpaste or mouthwash.

• Limit brushing teeth to 2 times a day.

• Keeping all the oral care products out of reach to avoid accidental consumption.

• Not to apply toothpaste more than a pea-sized portion.

• Regular dental check-ups.