Tag: Dentist

Dental Fluorosis | What is it, its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Medical

June 11, 2021
/ Leave a Comment on Dental Fluorosis | What is it, its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

6 min
3 years
1,177 word
2

Tagged Dental Fluorosis, Dental Problem, Dentist, Teeths

Dental Fluorosis | What is it, its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dental Fluorosis is a common defect of tooth enamel caused by ingestion of too much fluoride during the first 8 years of life when enamel is formed. Characterized by hypo mineralization, the lack of calcium in teeth leads to visual changes in enamel, causing varying levels of discoloration and in some cases, damage to teeth.

AUTHOR : Dr Saumya Lal

Dental Fluorosis is a common cosmetic condition in which your teeth are discolored with tiny chalky white or, in severe cases, brown stains. Dental Fluorosis is a common defect of tooth enamel caused by ingestion of too much fluoride during the first 8 years of life when enamel is formed. Characterized by hypo mineralization, the lack of calcium in teeth leads to visual changes in enamel, causing varying levels of discoloration and in some cases, damage to teeth. Even though dental fluorosis can be cosmetically treated, enamel damage is permanent. Additionally, the extent to which dental fluorosis develops depends on the amount and duration of fluoride exposure while teeth are forming.

Dental fluorosis will be one of the first indicators of fluorosis. In clinical work one of the most widely used methods of classifying and recording dental fluorosis is the dental fluorosis index (DFI) formulated by Dean (1942). This system allows the amount of enamel alteration on each tooth to be classified. The first evidence of dental fluorosis is a loss of sheen, followed by the development of white patches that later discolour and may be accompanied by pitting . The pitting that occurs with fluorosis is a hypoplastic defect.

Dental fluorosis is a hypo-mineralization of enamel associated with elevated fluoride intake during the process of enamel formation. In its mildest form, dental fluorosis appears as barely discernable fine flecks or lines of opaque white enamel. Slightly more involved mild fluorosis often presents as lacy markings that follow the perikymata of the enamel. More involved dental fluorosis is characterized by thicker lines or bands of opaque enamel that can coalesce to form larger areas of affected enamel. In severe cases, these coalesced areas sometimes break down to form discrete pits, which can be accompanied by areas that are stained orange to dark brown.

At the structural level, dental fluorosis is characterized by subsurface porosity of the enamel surface, which is actually similar to what is seen in early dental caries lesions. Excess fluoride during enamel formation is believed to disrupt mineralization and promote the retention of enamel protein, yielding weaker enamel structures and thus subsurface porosity. All developmental stages of enamel are thought to be susceptible to excess fluoride, but it appears the early maturation stage is when the enamel is most sensitive to fluoride.

Dental fluorosis is dose dependent—the greater the fluoride intake during tooth development, the more severe the fluorosis. Dental fluorosis can occur in the primary dentition, but it is less common and less commonly studied than in the permanent dentition. In areas of very high-water fluoride concentrations, all primary teeth can be affected, but in most instances, only the later-erupting primary teeth are affected—mainly the primary second molars.

Sources of Fluoride :

One fluoride source or a combination of, can cause dental fluorosis. Whether natural or artificial, multiple sources of fluoride have the potential to cause dental fluorosis. However, the development typically occurs due to the following scenarios:

• Fluoridated drinking water (especially during infancy)

• Ingestion of fluoride toothpaste

• Use of fluoride tablets

• Consumption of food made with fluoridated water

Even something that seems so harmless like tea, can single handedly cause dental fluorosis in a child. As fluoride in tea can reach up to six times the amount of fluoride than tap water. In addition, most dental products for children are now flavored, and the likelihood of younger children swallowing toothpaste is extremely likely. Individuals should also keep in mind toothpastes are extremely potent in fluoride(1000 to 1500 ppm) and what seems like a small amount of toothpaste is in reality, a lot of fluoride. A substance that if swallowed, requires you to seek medical help.

Causes :

Unlike many other dental and gums diseases, fluorosis has nothing to do with brushing and flossing. The real factor behind this dental disorder is the ‘excessive intake of fluoride’ during the first eight years of life because here, at this stage, teeth are not fully mineralized.

This dental problem mainly occurs in rural areas where people used to drink water from shallow wells or hand pumps. Usually, in such areas, the water contains the fluoride content more than usual, which is 1ppm. Moreover, the below-average intake of calcium-containing foods also becomes a significant cause of fluorosis in children.

• Excessive Use of Fluoride Toothpastes: In most of the children, fluorosis occurs due to excessive use of fluoride-containing toothpaste. The teeth whitening fluoride toothpaste’s ads on television and magazines, entice people to use an excessive quantity of toothpaste while brushing.

• Fluoride Medication: Some of the infants are given fluoride drops or tablets for many reasons, one of which is the strengthening of baby teeth. If given for a longer time or excessive quantity, the chances for your child to get dental fluorosis are greater.

Symptoms :

Symptoms of dental fluorosis may vary from person to person, as in few patients, these appear as chalky white patches or yellow stains, whereas in others, it may seem like brown stains on the surface of the teeth.

Types of Dental Fluorosis

Tooth fluorosis manifests itself in different ways, depending on the severity of the condition. The greater our exposure to fluoride as a child, the more severe the type of fluorosis.

The types of fluorosis range from mild to severe, classed according to the visual appearance and physical surface of the tooth.

Mild fluorosis

Mild fluorosis appears as cloudy or pearly white lines, patches or marks on the surface of the tooth enamel. These deformations can appear on any part of the tooth, from the tip to the gum line. They may be so slight that only a dentist can pick up on them.

Moderate fluorosis

With moderate fluorosis, the white spots have a more chalky appearance, cover more of the tooth, and are much easier to see. Although this is not aesthetically pleasing, it doesn’t cause any pain and the tooth can still function as normal.

Severe fluorosis can mean damaged enamel

This is the most serious type of fluorosis. It can cause yellow or brown spots in addition to a chalky appearance on most of the tooth surface. The enamel may be rough, brittle or pitted, and parts of it may be missing completely.

Treatment

Mild, no treatment is needed.
The appearance of teeth affected by moderate-to-severe fluorosis can be significantly improved by a variety of techniques. 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.
Parental vigilance is the key to preventing fluorosis. – At home, keep all fluoride-containing products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and supplements out of the reach of young children.
Since the major source of fluoride is drinking water, de-fluoridation is the best preventive measure which can be carried out at domestic as well as community level.
Nutritional interventions like high intake of vitamin C and Calcium also helps reduce the problem.

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Oral Hygiene | Maintaining a Good Hygiene for a Normal Adult

Medical

June 7, 2021
/ Leave a Comment on Oral Hygiene | Maintaining a Good Hygiene for a Normal Adult

5 min
3 years
803 words
2

Tagged Dental Care, Dentist, Oral, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene

Oral Hygiene | Maintaining a Good Hygiene for a Normal Adult

Maintaining good oral health is essential to maintaining good overall health. The goal of proper oral hygiene is to remove or prevent formation and buildup of plaque and tartar, to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease, and to decrease the incidence of halitosis.

AUTHOR : Dr. Saumya Lal

How to maintain good Oral Hygiene?

Toothbrushing

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and down stroke

Toothpaste (Promotes Oral Hygiene)

Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene : It is an abrasive that aids in removing dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in suppressing halitosis, and delivers active ingredients (most commonly fluoride) to help prevent tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease (gingivitis)

Interdental Brush or Proxy Brush

An interdental brush is a thin round or tapered brush which consists of bristles that can easily access the interdental space between the teeth. Usually, these brushes come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to fit all types of tooth alignments

Dental Floss

Dental floss is usually made of nylon thread or folded polytetrafluoroethylene strands. It is available as waxed or unwaxed dental floss. Where teeth are crowded, interdental cleaning is easier to manage with waxed than unwaxed floss.

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

Rubber Tip

Rubber tips are effective gum stimulators that consist of a metal handle with a pointed rubber tip. Some varieties of gum stimulator may include silicone tips. The firm tip of this interdental tool helps to clean the teeth and gums by removing plaque, bacteria, and food particles

Limit Sodas, Coffee and Alcohol

Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body’s level of calcium. This causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discoloured. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile and water, which hydrates your body longer than sugary drinks,

Consume Calcium and other Vitamins that are good for the body

You need plenty of calcium for your teeth. It is essential for the teeth as well as your bones. It is better to drink milk, fortified orange juice and to eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. You can also take a calcium supplement, taking different doses according to your age and necessity as per prescription. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. Vitamin B complex is also essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding. Copper, zinc, iodine, iron and potassium are also required for maintaining healthy dental hygiene.

MOUTHWASHES

Mouthwash is not particularly necessary and not all mouthwashes are useful. Mouthwashes containing Listerine or chlorine dioxide are very helpful because they help to kill and maintain the bacteria in your mouth. It can help maintain good breath as well as help maintain strong teeth. Mouthwash cannot do all the work but if you are already brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and eating well, mouthwash is the cherry on top that will make your dental health great.

Clean your tongue

Clean the surface of your tongue daily. By using a professional tongue cleaner, you remove countless bacteria that otherwise live, particularly on the rougher top surface of your tongue. These can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) and negatively affect your dental health.

Visit Your Dentist

You should visit your dentist at least twice a year to have a full hygiene treatment performed. Also at these appointments, a comprehensive exam is taken with x-rays to help detect and prevent future dental treatments from occurring.

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