What are the benefits of using
toothpaste containing fluoride?
Optimal
levels of fluoride not only reduce
cavities in children and adults, it also helps
repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay is visible (white spot lesion).
There is a proven benefit from regular brushing of
teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride.
Is toothpaste containing fluoride safe
for daily use?
Research has shown that fluoride in toothpaste is
completely safe for daily used within the
recommended limits with little or no adverse reactions.
The only possible side effect is a minor flecking of
tooth enamel (fluorosis).
What is fluorosis?
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It is a developmental
disturbance of dental enamel caused by excessive exposure to high
concentrations of fluoride during tooth development.
The risk of fluoride overexposure
occurs between the ages of 3 months and 8 years.
It is cosmetic condition,
not a disease.
The teeth of those affected by fluorosis may appear mildly discoloured. For
instance, there may be lacy white markings that only dentists can detect.
In
more severe cases, however, the teeth may have:
- Stains ranging from yellow to dark brown
- Surface irregularities
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Treatment
of fluorosis
The appearance of teeth affected can
be improved by a variety of techniques. Most of them are aimed at mask the stains.
Such techniques may include:
- Tooth whitening and other procedures to remove surface stains
- Bonding, which coats the tooth with a hard resin that bonds to the enamel
- Crowns
- Veneers, which are custom-made shells that cover the front of the teeth to improve their appearance
I see, well if teeth stains are considered a symptom for flurosis then I may be subjected to one at the moment. Do you think OTC teeth whiteners can be an option to remove flurosis or is it still better to have my teeth whiten by my Austin Dentist? I hope you can answer this inquiry as soon as possible. I'm really bothered by my teeth stains.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your inquiry. Teeth staining may be one of the sign of fluorosis. Other than that, it also can cause by other factors such as dental palque, dental decay, or tetracycline staining.
ReplyDeleteOTC teeth whiteners normally removed outer surface staining, where fluorosis staining involved the outer and inner structure. In your situation, i think you can go your family dentist to clarify which type of staining and your dentist will suggest you accordingly. Hope this will help you to know where your direction.