Too much fluoride may cause spots
Berks County, PA - Dear Dr Reitz: From the time my front teeth appeared in my mouth they have looked ugly because of two large brown spots in the center of each tooth. I have tried the over-the-counter whitening strips and whitening toothpaste, but nothing is making a difference. I am 18 years old and will be leaving for college next year. Is there anything that can be done to remove the brown spots? - Colleen
Dear Colleen: It's impossible to diagnosis the cause of the brown spots without seeing your teeth, but from what you are describing it sounds like brown enamel dysmineralization indicative of mild fluorosis. Fluorosis is the improper formation of the enamel because of excess fluoride available when the teeth are forming. It's believed that both brown and white spots on the surface of the teeth are the result of fluorosis.
The brown spot actually occurred when the tooth was forming under your gums. The most likely source of the excess fluoride intake is from toothpaste. Children often like the taste of toothpaste and swallow after brushing, instead of spitting. When this becomes a habit between the ages of 2 and 5 there is a possibility of enamel hypomineralization, which appears as white or brown spots on the teeth.
The risk of getting too much fluoride also increased if you were receiving fluoride vitamin supplements during the same time of tooth development. There is some controversy now as to whether fluoride supplements should be given to children because of this side effect
Dear Colleen: It's impossible to diagnosis the cause of the brown spots without seeing your teeth, but from what you are describing it sounds like brown enamel dysmineralization indicative of mild fluorosis. Fluorosis is the improper formation of the enamel because of excess fluoride available when the teeth are forming. It's believed that both brown and white spots on the surface of the teeth are the result of fluorosis.
The brown spot actually occurred when the tooth was forming under your gums. The most likely source of the excess fluoride intake is from toothpaste. Children often like the taste of toothpaste and swallow after brushing, instead of spitting. When this becomes a habit between the ages of 2 and 5 there is a possibility of enamel hypomineralization, which appears as white or brown spots on the teeth.
The risk of getting too much fluoride also increased if you were receiving fluoride vitamin supplements during the same time of tooth development. There is some controversy now as to whether fluoride supplements should be given to children because of this side effect
posted by Bill at
10:42 AM
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