Dental Fluorosis: What is it?

We all wait for our child’s first tooth to come out. It is considered a milestone and securing those little pearls should be at the very top of your priority list. But what if the safety step you took for preventing cavities leads to your child’s teeth getting stained? This is the dental health dilemma of fluoride.

What is Fluoride and why is it used?

Fluoride assists in securing a child’s teeth from cavities and reversing early stages of decay. One of the main sources of this compound is drinking tap water. Apart from this, adults and children have fluoride options in toothpaste, dental care products, mouthwash, and office treatments. However, the problem begins, when fluoride is used excessively, particularly by children younger than eight. Too much of this compound during early childhood, when the child’s permanent teeth are forming underneath the gums, can lead to dental fluorosis, discoloration of the teeth. But, once the child’s permanent teeth have erupted, fluoride does not cause tooth fluorosis.

Dental fluorosis, while cosmetic, can make people shy away from smiling. Fluorosis can vary from very mild white streaks/spots to severe discoloration with a pitted or mottled brown appearance. According to dentists in Brampton, more than forty percent of the children in the age bracket of 12 to 15 years suffer from very little to mild fluorosis.

A child’s exposure to fluoride can increase if they’re:

1. Swallowing toothpaste instead of spitting it out.
2. Drinking water containing fluoride.
3. Taking way too much fluoride supplement.
4. Using fluoride supplements when they already have fluoride in their water and toothpaste.

Analyzing a child’s fluoride intake can reduce the amount of fluorosis and increase cavity protection. If fluorosis does happen and treatment becomes necessary, most methods will involve simple aesthetic techniques that vary from removing discolored bits of the tooth to micro-abrasion, bleaching, and full crowns or veneers. Speak to your Brampton dentist about the best dental treatment for your child and the best way to avoid further damage.

With the right knowledge and the right dentist by your side, you can rest assured that your child’s teeth will remain healthy at all times. It is important that you choose the right dental expert for those early years as the dentist’s experience and expertise can make all the difference to the oral health of your little one as he or she grows.

Things you should know about cosmetic dental treatments

The overall aesthetics and look of your smile are enhanced by using cosmetic dental procedures. There is no denying that a beautiful smile has the ability to make a great impact on a person's confidence and self-esteem and also has a huge impact on one’s personal relationships. With great advancements in technology, there are numerous cosmetic dental treatments that help in enhancing dental function apart from offering a brighter, whiter smile.

How should you choose a cosmetic dental treatment?

A lot of cosmetic treatments are similar with just a small difference. So how can you choose a treatment? There are numerous factors you should consider but the first thing you must do is to book an appointment with your dentist.

The dental expert will analyze the condition of your teeth and may also ask you for your medical history. If the professional feels it is important, you may be requested to take a few x-rays for determining the state of your teeth. It is only after this; can the expert make a decision as to the best course of action and which aesthetic dental treatment will work best for you.

Once you have all your options, you can decide on the treatment you wish to undergo. While some procedures will be costlier than others and you will have to weigh all the pros and cons before you make the final decision. If you can afford it, it is best to opt for the strongest material as that will mean you will not have to come for a replacement often.

The best way to choose a cosmetic dentist in Brampton?

No matter what kind of dental procedure you need to undergo, make sure you go for a reputed dentist. This is even more important when you have to undergo cosmetic dental processes. Such treatments require expertise and if you end up going to an inexperienced dentist to save money, you may not get the results you are looking for.

For being completely sure that you are making the right choice, at the time of your first consultation, ask questions to your dentist about the practice. Figure out how many years of experience the expert has had in the field and how many patients he has handled. Make sure you see the dentist's portfolio and ask if they can provide you with any guarantee on the work they are going to perform.

Caplash Dentist offers dental services for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry & bridges, Dentures. Visit your dentists in Brampton