White Spots On My Children’s Teeth-Should I be worried?
March 10, 2020 12:54 pmIf you see white spots on your children’s teeth, then don’t panic. Make an appointment to see your dentist, and in the meantime, read on to find out more about what the cause could be.
- What is it?
If you have young children then there’s a chance that, when their baby or adult set comes through, you notice faint or perhaps more distinct streaks or white spots on teeth. First of all, it’s important to know that these are fairly unlikely to be the signs of disease. One of the most probable causes is ‘fluorosis’ – too much fluoride.
- What does it mean?
Fluorosis happens when your child consumes too much fluoride early on in life. It takes place before you can see the teeth when they are forming in the jaw. If it’s your child’s adult teeth that are affected, then you know the damage has happened before the age of 8 – because adult teeth are fully formed in the jaw by this time.
- How does it happen?
The extra fluoride affects the formation of the outer tooth enamel, causing white spots on teeth, discoloration or possibly even an irregular tooth surface like pits or lines. Fortunately, the condition is just cosmetic, meaning there’s no structural damage to your child’s teeth. Sometimes the damage is so slight, only your dentist can notice it.
- Are there other causes?
White spots can also be caused by damage or decay. For example, a dental condition called ‘decalcification’ is caused by plaque, and that is often linked to tooth decay. It could also be due to a developmental problem, or past trauma. There’s a number of possible causes. So, it’s essential to make a trip to the pediatric dentist, such as at Drs. Nicolas & Asp, in order to quickly identify the problem and to understand why it has happened.
- Do I need fluoride?
In the case of fluorosis, it’s overdosing on fluoride that causes the problem in the first place. Usually, that’s due to fluoride supplements, taken in addition to fluoridated tap water, or due to children frequently swallowing fluoridated toothpaste. It’s really important to seek out the best pediatric dentist in Dubai in order to properly ascertain the right solution for your child. If the condition is due to decalcification, then the dentist may simply recommend careful management – because once the plaque is removed from the teeth, saliva will do its magic and help re-mineralize the teeth naturally over time.
- Treatment
Unfortunately, white spots caused by too much fluoride are permanent. However, a lot of cases are relatively minor or affect less visible teeth towards the back of the mouth. Tooth whitening is one possible option that can remove very obvious marks on the front teeth. Your dentist might also consider options like a crown or veneer which will cover the marks entirely. If your child is swallowing toothpaste and is too young to properly understand, the dentist may suggest using a fluoride-free toothpaste for a while.
- Other treatment options
If there’s another cause, then there may also be other treatment options. For decalcification, the dentist might recommend a fluoride varnish on some teeth in order to help prevent further decay setting in. Bear in mind the dentist might also want to take X-rays in order to check if there is any other damage to the teeth.
- Prevention
As soon as baby teeth come through, it’s best to make regular six-monthly appointments to see the best pediatric dentist in Dubai. Not only will the dentist check the condition of your child’s teeth, but they’ll also check hygiene routines and diet. This will help avoid future problems and make sure your child has the best possible dental health.
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