Excessive intake of fluoride to babies can lead to fluorosis and the appearance of white spots on baby teeth. There are different treatments to remove fluoride stains.
Depending on the extent of fluorosis and age, your dentist may use different methods: whitening, resin injection, remineralization or veneers.
4 techniques to remove fluoride stains on teeth
Depending on the extent of the stains and the age of your child, there are different methods for removing fluoride stains from teeth.
Resin injection
In cases of mild fluorosis, the dentist can use a recent and very effective method: resin injection. This minimally invasive technique provides good results. Moreover, it can be performed on children as young as 7 or 8 years old.
The pedodontist uses a product that will make the surface of the tooth porous, but superficially without damaging the enamel. Then he injects a resin to fill in the demineralized areas that are causing the stains.
Remineralization
Remineralization of the teeth helps to reduce white stains. Your dentist may suggest a remineralizing paste treatment to remove fluorosis stains.
By applying the paste directly to the teeth, the teeth are quickly remineralized.
Bleaching
If the fluorosis stains are not very visible, the dentist can perform a bleaching procedure to remove them. Bleaching blends the stains into the overall color of the teeth.
However, this method can only be performed on enamel that has matured, i.e. from the age of 16 or 18. Bleaching is not possible on children, as it would further damage the enamel of the teeth.
Placement of veneers
If the stains are very numerous, the dentist can perform a veneer application. This invasive method damages the enamel. Resin or ceramic veneers are applied directly to the outer surface of the teeth. This method is therefore only used on adults.
Why do fluoride stains appear on the teeth?
Fluoride is a natural trace element found in water and certain foods. It strengthens the outer enamel of the teeth and thus forms a protective barrier against acid attacks. This reinforcement limits the appearance of cavities.
However, too much fluoride consumption can lead to fluorosis on milk teeth. The latter manifests itself by the appearance of white spots on the teeth.
If too much fluoride is ingested, either through water, supplements or toothpaste, it ends up inside the tooth. In this case, the fluoride strengthens the inner enamel of the baby teeth and not the outer enamel as expected. Stains will then form on the surface of the teeth.
Preventing fluoride stains on baby teeth
Here are some tips to limit the appearance of fluoride stains on your teeth:
- Be sure not to exceed the recommended amount of fluoride,
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes from a young age,
- Reduce your consumption of sugary drinks,
- Have a balanced diet,
- See a dentist once a year.
