What is Fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a cosmetic dental condition characterized by white or brown patches on your teeth. These spots can range from small, barely noticeable white spots to clearly visible dark brown spots.

Who Gets Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis affects people who have been overexposed to fluoride during their developmental years, before their permanent (adult) teeth erupt. Children 8 years and younger are at risk of developing fluorosis. Teeth that are already overgrown cannot be fluorosis. Dental fluorosis occurs when a child consistently ingests too much fluoride while their permanent teeth continue to form under their gums. This includes drinking excessively fluoridated water or swallowing fluoride toothpaste. Fluorosis does not occur in adults. It only affects teeth that are still developing under the gums.

What Are the Symptoms of Fluorosis?

The only symptom of fluorosis is tooth discoloration. The discoloration may vary depending on the severity of your condition. Dentists use the following terms to categorize fluorosis:

• Suspect: A few very light white spots and white dots.
• Very mild: Light white areas that cover less than 25 percent of your tooth surfaces.
• Mild: Light white areas that cover less than 50 percent of your tooth surfaces.
• Moderate: White or light brown areas covering more than 50 percent of your tooth surfaces.
• Severe: White, light brown or dark brown patches affecting all surfaces. Your teeth may also have pitting (small depressions in tooth enamel).

In mild cases, the occasional tooth discoloration can be so slight that no one but your dentist will notice. However, if fluorosis is negatively affecting your confidence or self-esteem, cosmetic dental treatments can help.

How Is Fluorosis Treated?

There are cosmetic dental procedures that can treat fluorosis. The treatment that is best for you depends on several factors, including the severity of fluorosis, your budget, and your own personal preferences. Common fluorosis treatments include:

• Teeth whitening: Your dentist applies a whitening gel to your teeth for a predetermined time. The gel illuminates your enamel so that fluorosis becomes undetectable. While teeth whitening is an option in mild cases of fluorosis, other treatments may be more suitable for you.
• Composite resin : During this procedure, your dentist uses tooth-colored composite resin to cover fluorosis stains. Your teeth are then shaped and polished for natural-looking results.
• Dental veneers : Veneers made of resin or porcelain are thin shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. To get the right fit and size with your teeth, your tooth measurements are taken and veneer teeth are prepared accordingly.
• Dental crowns: Like veneers, crowns are custom made. However, this type of dental restoration sits over your entire tooth. Your dentist will need to remove some of your natural enamel for the crown to fit properly.
• Enamel micro-abrasion During this procedure, your dentist removes a small layer of enamel from your teeth. This helps remove many fluorosis stains. Usually , your dentist will follow up the enamel microabrasion with teeth whitening to make the color of your teeth even more uniform.