Do you have white and brown splotches or streaks on your teeth? If you’re alarmed and beginning to think it’s a form of tooth decay, you’ll be pleased to learn it’s more likely a case of mild to moderate dental fluorosis.
Fluorosis occurs when tooth enamel is exposed to too much fluoride early in its development, which may cause staining.
Now that you know what causes staining, the question now becomes: What can you do about it?
What Does Fluorosis Look Like?
Fluorosis comes in four “shades,” if you will: very mild, mild, moderate, and severe.
In the two mild instances, mottling of a tooth’s enamel is hardly perceptible and usually shows up as a faded white streak or spot.
In many cases, your dentist or hygienist will be the first to notice it because of all the attention they pay to your teeth. Usually, because the condition is rather common and not very visible to the naked eye, it isn’t considered detrimental enough to treat.
Moderate and severe fluorosis, on the other hand, will certainly be noticeable. The discoloration will likely affect more than one tooth across a larger surface area of enamel. Sometimes, the coloring can include an outline of brown as well.
Since most cases of fluorosis are usually very mild or mild, most people live without a single concern about it. In fact, most are even oblivious to there being anything different about their teeth altogether.
If, however, you’re bothered by the appearance of your teeth, there are interventions. Be forewarned, they’re not always easy.
Fixing Fluorosis
The three favorable methods to correct fluorosis involve a bit of work and cost, but they can be successful. They are dental bonding, veneers, and deep whitening.
Should you be interested in tackling a case of fluorosis, ask your dentist which option is best for you.
Fluorosis occurs when tooth enamel is exposed to too much fluoride early in its development, which may cause staining.
Now that you know what causes staining, the question now becomes: What can you do about it?
What Does Fluorosis Look Like?
Fluorosis comes in four “shades,” if you will: very mild, mild, moderate, and severe.
In the two mild instances, mottling of a tooth’s enamel is hardly perceptible and usually shows up as a faded white streak or spot.
In many cases, your dentist or hygienist will be the first to notice it because of all the attention they pay to your teeth. Usually, because the condition is rather common and not very visible to the naked eye, it isn’t considered detrimental enough to treat.
Moderate and severe fluorosis, on the other hand, will certainly be noticeable. The discoloration will likely affect more than one tooth across a larger surface area of enamel. Sometimes, the coloring can include an outline of brown as well.
Since most cases of fluorosis are usually very mild or mild, most people live without a single concern about it. In fact, most are even oblivious to there being anything different about their teeth altogether.
If, however, you’re bothered by the appearance of your teeth, there are interventions. Be forewarned, they’re not always easy.
Fixing Fluorosis
The three favorable methods to correct fluorosis involve a bit of work and cost, but they can be successful. They are dental bonding, veneers, and deep whitening.
Should you be interested in tackling a case of fluorosis, ask your dentist which option is best for you.