There are many reasons for yellowish discoloration of teeth, but one often overlooked condition is dental fluorosis. While most people focus on yellow stains, white discoloration can also be significant and is a result of this dental condition.
Table of Contents
What is Dental Fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis occurs when fluoride is deposited in the teeth during their formation, hindering proper mineralization. This results in areas of white and yellow pigmentation, which are intrinsic stains that cannot be removed through regular cleaning.
How Do They Appear?
The appearance of dental fluorosis varies from person to person and can manifest as:
- White spots
- Yellow pigmented areas intermixed with white spots
- Brown spots
The color can range from light brown to dark brown based on the degree of demineralization. Dental fluorosis can be classified into three variants:
Take the first step to a better Oral health!
Get tips on Oral health and discover ways to improve your Dental health. Sign up today
- Mild: Soft yellow hue with crystal white areas.
- Moderate: Brownish discoloration with chalky white irregular surfaces.
- Severe: Distinct pitting of enamel with multiple amber or brownish discolored regions.
Causes of Dental Fluorosis
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the maximum permissible level of fluoride in water is 1.5 mg/liter. Dental fluorosis is more prevalent in areas where groundwater contains high concentrations of fluoride. Drinking such water during the development of teeth increases the risk of dental fluorosis. Fluoride gets deposited into the hydroxyapatite crystals of developing teeth, forming fluoro-hydroxyapatite crystals (FHAC), which are more opaque and lead to chalky white areas. The presence of FHAC can also increase the brittleness of teeth, resulting in chipping and pitting.
Are Fluoride Teeth More Resistant to Caries?
Yes, fluoride teeth are generally more resistant to caries due to the presence of FHAC, which resists acidic degeneration from bacteria that cause cavities.
Treatment Options for Dental Fluorosis
The need for treatment depends on the severity of dental fluorosis:
Mild Dental Fluorosis
In cases with minor white chalky surfaces, no treatment may be necessary. However, bleaching can improve appearance but may increase sensitivity.
Moderate Dental Fluorosis
For moderate cases, options include:
- Composite Camouflage: Scraping and restoring outer surfaces with composite material ($135 to $240 per tooth in the U.S.; 1000 to 5000 rupees in India).
- Veneers: Prosthetic replacements that provide a better aesthetic outcome ($250 to $2500 per tooth).
Severe Dental Fluorosis
In severe cases, dental crowns are recommended to strengthen brittle teeth and enhance longevity ($800 to $3000 per tooth; 7000 to 20000 rupees in India).
Conclusion
Patients with dental fluorosis should visit their dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups. Since dental fluorosis occurs during tooth development, children are more affected than adults. It’s crucial to monitor fluoride intake in children to prevent this condition. If you found this information helpful or have any questions, feel free to comment below! Sharing is caring—please share this post with your friends!
- Is oral hygiene compulsory for kids? - January 13, 2023
- How to Choose the Best Dental Crown for Your Smile? - December 8, 2022
- Who needs antibiotics before dental work? What is antibiotic prophylaxis? - October 31, 2022
Pingback: CHIPPED TOOTH-BEST TREATMENT OPTIONS - DENTA DIGEST
Pingback: CAN 4 IMPLANTS REPLACE ALL MY TEETH? ALL ON 4 CONCEPT - DENTA DIGEST
Pingback: WHY ARE MY TEETH YELLOW? AMELOGENSIS IMPERFECTA | DENTA DIGEST
Pingback: FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE | WHEN TO USE AND WHEN TO AVOID | DENTA DIGEST