White spots on teeth are not always cavities! Other conditions can also cause discoloration, and one common culprit is fluorosis. This condition can affect both permanent and primary (baby) teeth, with children being the most frequently affected.
Symptoms
Before starting treatment, it’s important to understand what fluorosis is and how to distinguish it from cavities and other dental issues.
Fluorosis is a non-caries-related condition of the enamel caused by excessive fluoride intake. Recognizing it is fairly straightforward if you know the symptoms:
- White spots appear symmetrically on teeth, often starting with the incisors. Initially, these spots appear as thin lines, but as fluorosis progresses, larger white patches form.
- Enamel loses its shine and becomes matte.
- Chips may appear on teeth due to fragile enamel.
- Increased tooth wear is common.
If you notice these signs, action is needed.
Causes
The cause of fluorosis is an excessive amount of fluoride in the body. How fluoride accumulates can vary:
- Working in industries with high fluoride emissions;
- Drinking water with high fluoride content;
- Regular consumption of fluoride-rich foods;
- Overuse of fluoride toothpaste;
- Long-term intake of fluoride-containing medications.
It’s important to note that not everyone exposed to the same level of fluoride develops fluorosis. Each body reacts differently.
Treatment
Once white spots are noticed, the first step is to limit fluoride intake and schedule a visit with a dentist. The dentist will recommend the best treatment plan for fluorosis.
Common treatments include:
- Remineralization of enamel—prescribed for pathological changes;
- Teeth whitening—effective in the early stages;
- Dental fillings—for restoring teeth damaged by fluorosis;
- Crowns—used as a last resort if tooth destruction has begun.
The treatment approach depends on the severity of fluorosis and the extent of enamel damage. A dentist can determine the most appropriate therapy.
