Many people would agree that much of their confidence is linked to having a good smile. However, unfortunately, having a straight and sparkly grin is not always possible. Maybe you never had braces as a kid, maybe years or drinking coffee and smoking have discolored your teeth or maybe you’ve got enamel fluorosis.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this condition causes white streaks or lines that are the result of too much exposure to fluoride when teeth are developing. In many cases, this discoloration is not even noticeable to others, but can be very bothersome to the person who has it.
If you’ve got a child with permanent teeth coming in, you should know that there are some things you can do as a parent to reduce their risk of fluorosis. To start, make sure your son or daughter knows the importance of not swallowing fluoride-containing toothpaste. You should always keep an eye on your lovebug when they are brushing those developing pearly whites.
Should you be the parent to an infant, it’s important to note that the ADA has reported that mild forms of this condition could be linked to moms and dads mixing infant formula powder with tap water, which contains fluoride. Although fluorosis has a purely cosmetic impact, it may be a good idea to use bottled water once in a while if you are worried about how your baby’s teeth are going to look.
Of course, if you have any questions about your son or daughter’s pearl whites, don’t hesitate to speak with your family dentist. An oral care expert like Dr. Thomas Cooke can give you tips on how to keep your lovebug’s teeth in tip-top shape.
