Tag Archives: Too Much Fluoride and Tooth Damage

How can i treat dental fluorosis without veneers?

I have access fluoride that is damaging my teeth, which is like a white dot on my front tooth. Since it is permanent I wondered if there’s any other way to treat that without veneering. Can crest white strips or any other tooth whitening product remove that or make it less visible. What food should I eat and what food should I quit?

Thanks, Ericka

Dear Ericka,

Fluorosis happens when are baby and permanent teeth are developing under the gums. Once teeth are erupted they can’t develop fluorsosis any longer so you don’t need to worry about avoiding certain foods or eating anything special. Just remember that foods high in sugar or liquids we drink that contain acid like soda, Gatorade, and some juices can cause tooth decay so it is always recommended to limit stuff like this in your diet.

Fluorosis that is severe makes your teeth pitted and the outer layer of enamel is lost which make teeth very susceptible to tooth decay. It sounds like you have a mild form of fluorosis which is common and not damaging to the teeth. We understand that the appearance of your teeth is a concern and will share with you some advice on how to treat your condition.

Whitening your teeth will make the whites spots even whiter so we advise you not to do that. Treatment options vary and depend on how severe the condition is and what you can afford. Abrasion is when the enamel is softened and abraded with pumice to change the appearance of the tooth. This is the least expensive however does not work in all cases. You also have the option to have composite bonding placed. This involves roughening the surface of the damaged enamel, etching the tooth, and then a composite resin (white filling) is placed on the surface of the tooth to match the rest of your teeth. The last option would be a porcelain veneer, which is the most expensive however looks like your natural teeth. Discuss with your dentist which option would work for your particular situation. If your dentist doesn’t specialize in cosmetic dentistry have them refer you to someone that does.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist