Fluorosis Treatment And Teeth Whitening Remedies

Fluorosis is the accumulation of excessive fluorides in the body which produces toxic effects. Children under the age of 8 years generally suffer from dental fluorosis if they intake a large amount of fluorides during the period of the development of teeth. The usual symptom of dental fluorosis is the appearance of chalky white, yellow or brown stains on the teeth, which may become darker as time passes and become more and more difficult to get rid of. The excess fluoride affects the formation of enamel and does not harm other parts of the teeth.

The fluorides hinder complete mineralization of the teeth during the period when they are developing, and thereby cause the enamel to become abnormally porous. Thus, this is a cosmetic problem and not a disease. Usually, it is through contaminated water and food that the fluorides enter the system. Other sources of fluorides include toothpastes, mouthwash and other oral care products. Inhaling toxic industrial fumes containing fluorides may also lead to this condition.

This problem has been observed to affect those people more who live in hilly regions where the concentration of fluorides in the soil and water is higher. It is difficult to completely cure the effects of dental fluorosis. It is necessary to consult a dentist as well as a cosmetician in order to determine the most suitable form of treatment. Bleaching and microabrasion are the usual methods of treating dental fluorosis.

Precautions For Treating Fluorosis

However, there are a few precautionary measures that you may follow to avoid this problem. One of the most common reasons for dental fluorisis is swallowing the toothpaste while brushing your teeth. Instruct your kids to spit out the foam of the toothpaste after brushing the teeth. Using toothpastes that taste unsavory can also help cure the tendency to swallow the foam. After spitting out the toothpaste foam, you must rinse your mouth thoroughly with water so that every trace of the chemicals present in the toothpaste is washed away.

Consult your dentist before choosing toothpaste for your family and use only as much amount of it for brushing your teeth as is indicated on the instruction list appended with the toothpaste. It is also advisable to keep toothpastes out of the reach of children. It is also beneficial to increase the consumption of calcium through natural sources like milk and dairy products as well as through supplements, as this mineral helps in absorbing the excess fluoride ions.