Fluorosis
Unfortunately, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. There's no doubt that fluoride is an essential mineral to incorporate into your child's life through drinking tap water and using toothpaste. But if overused, it can create a problem.
White spots on your toddler's teeth can signify their mouth had overexposure to fluoride. Known as fluorosis, it's a cosmetic issue that occurs when babies or young children ingest too much fluoride while their teeth are still forming under their gums. Often, the white marks on baby teeth caused by fluorosis are barely visible and, if noticeable, usually look blotchy or streaky.
Nonetheless, there's a silver lining when it comes to fluorosis. It may help teeth be more resistant to decay, as noted by the American Dental Association (ADA). Although fluorosis is usually not harmful to children or their teeth, you should take action to make sure your child is ingesting the appropriate amount of fluoride.
To prevent fluorosis, the ADA recommends the following steps:
- Breastfeed (if possible) until your child is at least six months old.
- According to National Health Portal of India, the desirable limit of fluoride as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is 1ppm (parts per million or 1 mg per litre).
- Ensure your child doesn't swallow toothpaste when you brush their teeth. Use an amount of toothpaste that equals the size of a grain of rice up until your child is three. Between ages three and six, use a pea-size amount.
- Do not give your child fluoride supplements unless prescribed by a dental or medical professional.
- Don't incorporate mouthwash that contains fluoride into your child's oral care routine until they are at least six years old.
Whether the white spots on your child's smile form because of too much fluoride or are the beginning signs of tooth decay, they're often noticeable (by you or their dental professional) early enough that you can do something about them! So, if you notice a white spot on your child's teeth, it requires immediate attention.
Fluorosis is a cosmetic issue and does not indicate the health and strength of your child's smile. Tooth decay is a more severe issue. We recommend prompt treatment from a dental professional who can also teach you and your child best practices for brushing, ways to avoid added sugars in their diet, and other anti-cavity lifestyle habits. All children deserve a healthy smile that they're proud of. By attending to these white spots, your child will benefit from learning excellent oral care habits they can put into practice for years to come!