Dental fluorosis

There are a few different ways that dental fluorosis can be treated.

• Porcelain Laminate Veneers. One of the most esthetic ways is by placing porcelain laminate veneers over the affected teeth as shown in the picture to the right. In this procedure, less than 1 millimeter of the front surface of the tooth is shaved away. The dentist takes an impression, and then a dental lab makes a veneer that looks great and fits perfectly into the spot that was shaved away by the dentist.
• Enamel Microabrasion. This is the least invasive method of treating dental fluorosis. In this method of fluorosis treatment, the dentist treats the tooth with acid and then sands away a tiny layer of enamel off of the tooth using pumice. After this is completed, the dentist then applies topical fluoride and a solution to help remineralize the teeth. It is important to note that the topical fluoride that is applied simply helps to make the enamel stronger. Topical fluoride will not cause fluorosis — fluorosis is caused by ingesting fluoride systemically.
• Direct Composite Veneers (Also Known as Composite Bonding). This procedure is similar to the porcelain laminate veneers mentioned above. However, after shaving down the front of your teeth, the dentist doesn’t take an impression to send to the lab. The dentist simply repairs the tooth using white composite filling material. This covers up the affected tooth with an aesthetic tooth-colored filling. The drawback of this procedure is that direct composite veneers sometimes only last a few years and then may need to be replaced with a crown or porcelain laminate veneers.
• A Dental Crown. During a dental crown procedure, the dentist shaves down around the whole tooth and then places an aesthetic crown over the tooth. This is the most invasive treatment that is normally done for the treatment of dental fluorosis. Although it would be possible to remove teeth affected by fluorosis and then place dental implants, I didn’t include that here because it is not normally a treatment option. Most teeth affected by fluorosis are healthy and more resistant to cavities. Their downfall is in their appearance. I don’t believe that removing healthy teeth for aesthetic reasons is the best option when there are other less invasive options.

• Children being prescribed unnecessary fluoride supplements by their dentist (it does happen!)
• Swallowing too much toothpaste when brushing
• Babies drinking infant formula mixed with fluoridated water

• Not giving your child fluoride supplements if your child is not at risk for cavities
• Using a fluoride-free  “training” toothpaste until your child can spit out all of the toothpaste when they’re done brushing
• Mix infant formula with water that does not contain added fluoride