Treatment of fluorosis in children

A healthy smile of a child is not only aesthetic, but also an indicator of the general condition of their body. However, even with careful care of the oral cavity, you may encounter an unpleasant phenomenon - the appearance of stains on the tooth enamel. Often this is a consequence of a disease such as fluorosis. This disorder of enamel development occurs due to an excess of fluoride in the body and requires timely medical attention.

In dentistry "Oxford Medical" in Kyiv, comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of fluorosis in children is carried out using modern technologies and gentle techniques. We care about the health and confidence of young patients and help restore the natural beauty of a child's smile.

Make an appointment for a consultation at a convenient time - our pediatric dentists will help you find the best solution.

Fluorosis — is a chronic enamel disease that occurs as a result of excessive fluoride intake in a child's body. The lesion can occur on both baby and permanent teeth, manifesting itself in the form of spots, stripes or discoloration of the enamel.

Dental fluorosis in children — is not only a cosmetic defect. In severe cases, enamel weakening, increased sensitivity, and brittleness of the teeth are possible, which creates the prerequisites for caries and other complications.

Depending on the level of damage, there are several forms of fluorosis — from mild (with minor white spots) to severe, when the enamel changes color to brown and begins to collapse.

Fluorosis is manifested by visual changes in the enamel. In the early stages, parents may notice white spots on baby teeth, which gradually become more noticeable or change color.

Main symptoms:

• white spots on baby teeth — the initial form of fluorosis, often looks like matte or chalky areas;

• white spots on a child's teeth that do not disappear after brushing;

• appearance of yellowish or brown stripes on the enamel;

• increased sensitivity of the teeth to temperature stimuli;

• roughness or porosity of the enamel surface;

• in severe cases - darkening of the teeth, brittleness, formation of defects.

Timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

In pediatric dentistry «Oxford Medical», the diagnosis of fluorosis includes:

• a thorough clinical examination of the child;

• assessment of the type and degree of enamel damage;

• collection of anamnesis, etc.

It is important to differentiate fluorosis from other similar conditions, such as enamel hypoplasia of primary teeth or demineralization. In cases where a child has a yellow spot on a tooth, this can be both caries and a consequence of fluorosis — Only a dentist can make an accurate diagnosis after an examination.

The approach to treatment depends on the form and stage of the lesion, the child's age, and aesthetic wishes. Our clinic offers modern, safe and effective methods.

In mild forms of fluorosis, the following is used:

• Professional oral hygiene. Removing plaque and deposits improves access to enamel for therapeutic agents and improves the overall condition of the oral cavity.

• Applying remineralizing gels or varnishes. Preparations enriched with calcium and phosphorus restore the mineral composition of enamel and reduce the severity of stains.

• Using special toothpastes with calcium and phosphates. Daily home care with the right selection of toothpaste maintains the effect after professional treatment.

This treatment allows you to strengthen the enamel, reduce sensitivity and make white spots on teeth in children are less noticeable without invasive intervention.

Prevention of fluorosis is extremely important, especially in regions with high fluoride levels in water. Simple daily rules are enough to protect a child's teeth from damage.

Main preventive measures:

• Controlling the quality of drinking water. It is recommended to check the fluoride level in the water that the child drinks, especially if water from a well or well is used.

• Using children's toothpastes with a low fluoride content. For toddlers, it is important to choose a toothpaste according to their age and the dentist's recommendations to avoid excessive fluoride intake.

• Teaching the child how to brush their teeth properly and controlling the swallowing of toothpaste. Parents should ensure that the child does not swallow the toothpaste and use it in the right amount — usually the size of a pea.

• Avoid taking fluoride supplements on your own. A child should only take fluoride supplements as prescribed by a doctor after analyzing the fluoride content in water and diet.

• Regular preventive examinations by a pediatric dentist. Timely consultation with a doctor allows you to detect the problem at an early stage and prevent the development of complications.

It is especially important to monitor the condition of children's teeth if white spots appear on baby teeth or spots of a different color - this is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.

At the «Oxford Medical» dentistry, we have created all the conditions for the treatment of fluorosis in young patients to be stress-free and with the most comfortable result.

In the case of fluorosis in children, treatment depends on the degree of enamel damage. Accordingly, the cost of treatment may vary. You can pre-read the prices here. The dentist will provide you with more detailed information about the program and cost of treatment during the initial consultation. Make an appointment at a time convenient for you by phone or via online chat on the website.