Index
The fluorosis is a disease that affects the bones and teeth during development. It is due to an excessive ingestion of fluoride during childhood, which interferes with the normal formation of enamel and causes sequelae in it. Although it has been proven that fluoride prevents cavities and is a great ally to preserve oral health, it must be taken into account that, to benefit from its qualities, its use must be topical. There are different forms of fluoride, such as gels and varnishes that are not intended to be swallowed, since fluoride, in large quantities, can cause death.
Causes of fluorosis
Fluorosis appears from the consumption of fluoride in high concentrations:
- Ingestion of water contaminated with fluoride, due to industrial waste or due to the fact that the fluoride concentrations in the area are naturally higher.
- Consumption of foods treated with fluoride-based pesticides.
- Inappropriate use of fluoride toothpastes in childhood.
Symptoms of Fluorosis
The symptoms that fluorosis manifests, from minor to major severity, are:
- Appearance of white or opaque spots on the enamel.
- Larger dark stains that already cover a large surface of the tooth.
- Potholes and cracks on the tooth surface.
- Enamel exhibits symptoms similar to acid corrosion.
Diagnosis of fluorosis
For the correct diagnosis of fluorosis, it is necessary to rule out other diseases that present similar symptoms. It could be confused with the effects of untreated gluten intolerance or genetic enamel malformations. For this reason, it is sometimes necessary to carry out complementary tests, in order to rule them out and choose the most effective treatment.
Treatment of fluorosis
Today, there are many treatment options for fluorosis that are tailored to the severity of symptoms and the needs of each patient.
In the case of patients with less affectation due to fluorosis, undergoing dental cleanings by a professional can bring great benefits. Since it would make the symptoms disappear, but only temporarily, since the spots continually reappear. This would force the patient to undergo continuous cleaning.
Whenever necessary, the dentist will opt for reconstructive treatments of the cracks or gaps that the enamel may present, since any crevice is a place of accumulation of bacteria.
People seeking definitive treatment or seriously injured may opt for dental crowns or veneers. It consists of replacing the enamel with ceramic pieces custom-made for the patient. As they are treatments that provide good functionality and very good aesthetic results to the teeth, they provide a great well-being and definitive satisfaction to the patients.
Any of these treatments must be performed in a dental clinic, so if you think you have any of the symptoms of fluorosis, you should not hesitate to consult your dentist or doctor. The earlier the diagnosis occurs, the more efficient the treatment will be.
Tips to prevent fluorosis
To prevent fluorosis, we can make sure that children do not consume fluoride in harmful amounts. To do this, we will prevent them from drinking water that is not controlled by responsible bodies. We will also avoid the use of fluoride toothpastes, at least in the stage that includes 9 months to 3 years of age. Washing food before eating it, to remove possible traces of pesticides, is also important. In short, any measure that moves away from uncontrolled fluoride consumption will always be beneficial.
Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.