Fluorosis

Do your child’s teeth look different? White spots or pits? Your child may have fluorosis, a condition that’s caused by increased fluoride exposure while the teeth are growing into permanent molars. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri treats a variety of dental conditions, including fluorosis.

 

Cause

Fluorosis is caused by overexposure of fluoride on your child’s teeth during the first eight years of their life. 

 

Fluoride is a natural ingredient present in products like toothpaste, water, soda, juice, and mouthwash. Your Los Angeles, CA dentist rounded up some tips for limiting fluoride intake:

 

-Avoid soda and juice.

-Use a toothpaste amount no smaller than a grain of rice for children under age three. For older children apply a pea-size amount.

-Fluoride levels in water normally don’t affect teeth. If your community’s water source contains high amounts of fluoride, consider other water sources like bottled water.

-Keep mouthwash away from children under the age of six.

 

Symptoms

-Yellow or dark brown discoloration

-White pits or spots

-Ridges around the teeth

 

Although fluorosis has no serious oral health effects, symptoms are permanent without treatment. For some patients, the changes in appearance are a source of shame or loss of confidence.

 

Treatment

We offer a variety of cosmetic treatments for both adults and children who have fluorosis at our Los Angeles, CA office:

 

-Teeth whitening and bleaching

-Crowns

-Veneers and Lumineers

-Bonding

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

 

Fluorosis

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps keep your teeth healthy. It’s found in the water and most dental products. When a child encounters too much fluoride, they develop Fluorosis. This isn’t a disease or harmful condition, but an alteration in the appearance of the teeth. You’ll notice very faint streaks or white lines on your child’s teeth. If you notice this or are worried about your child’s fluoride consumption, contact Dr. Suzanne Haeri today. Her office in West Los Angeles, CA, treats patients of all ages.

 

Your child’s dentist is the expert on fluoride. They’ll inform you how much fluoride your child should consume. There are also a few things that dissuade fluorosis from developing:

 

For infants to three-year-olds, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding. When their teeth come in and you start brushing them, use the appropriate amount of toothpaste. Don’t use more than a grain of rice.

 

For three to eight-year-olds, have them brush twice a day. The recommended amount of toothpaste is about the size of a pea. Make sure they do not swallow fluoride products like toothpaste. You should avoid having them use mouthwash before the age of six.

 

It’s important to remember that your child developing fluorosis isn’t a big deal. Some dentists believe that it helps deter plaque and tartar. If you’re worried, you should contact our office in Los Angeles, CA.

 

If you’re interested in our pediatric dental services, contact us today! We are conveniently located in West Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Fluorosis

Dr. Suzanne Haeri of South Carthay specializes in difficult cases of cosmetic dentistry. As part of her patient education program, she wants people to learn more about fluorosis, a rare but easily-misunderstood condition.

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Dentists commonly apply it to children’s teeth and many cities supply it through the water. However, it is possible for people to consume an excessive amount. If this happens, their teeth may become discolored. The effect of this would usually be mild enough to only be visible during a dental examination, but in the worst cases, still-developing teeth in a child may turn brown.

To mitigate the risk of excessive fluoride consumption, it is important for children to learn to spit out their toothpaste once they’re done brushing. When brushing the teeth of a child who is too young to spit, parents should be careful to only use a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste. Parents should also not give their children fluoride supplements without consultation with a dentist. Excessive fluoridation results in internal tooth stains, which cannot be bleached away, but they can be covered with Lumineers.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit Suzanne Haeri DDS and fill out a request.