Fluoride has been hailed as the greatest addition to water ever because it has saved hundreds of millions of teeth over the last 60 or 70 years. While fluoride itself was an excellent addition to human health, your teeth can get too much of a good thing over time. Here is an explanation of fluorosis and how you can avoid the problem.
The Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in nature. It is a chemical cousin of the element fluorine. Less than 100 years ago, most adults lost their teeth before age 50. It was very rare to see an adult with any teeth left by age 50. In fact, dentures have been used for hundreds of years to replace missing teeth.
A dental researcher at the turn of the 20th century who practiced in Colorado found children and adults with stained brown teeth that were somehow amazingly resistant to tooth decay. The researcher found that while small amounts of fluoride were beneficial to teeth, too much fluoride caused permanently stained but very strong teeth.
Fluoride keeps teeth strong and healthy by arming them against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It also helps remineralize teeth that have lost enamel. Thanks to fluoride, many people keep their teeth well into their senior years. Fluoride is so important that most toothpaste manufacturers also add it in.
Too Much of a Good Thing
While fluoride is a wonderful addition to human nutrition, there is such a thing as having too much fluoride in your diet, especially when you are young. If you or your family is getting too much fluoride, you could begin to notice yellow, white, or brown spots or streaks on your teeth. This is from fluorosis. Fluorosis is not dangerous, but it can cause cosmetic damage to your teeth.
If you have fluorosis, our dentists can treat your condition to remove the discoloration. Dentists can sand your teeth, crown them, place bonding on them, or use veneers to cover the stains on your teeth. If you need help with fluorosis, give us a call today.
Location
Northview Family Dental 1121 E. Westview Ct. Spokane, WA 99218-1319
Fluoride has been hailed as the greatest addition to water ever because it has saved hundreds of millions of teeth over the last 60 or 70 years. While fluoride itself was an excellent addition to human health, your teeth can get too much of a good thing over time. Here is an explanation of fluorosis and how you can avoid the problem.