Dental fluorosis is what happens when your teeth get too much fluoride while they’re still growing inside your gums. Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect teeth from cavities, but too much of it can cause problems. When teeth have dental fluorosis, they don’t look totally normal. You might see white spots or streaks on the teeth.
According to the Victoria Department of Health, dental fluorosis in Australia has decreased since the 1990s. This is largely due to the use of low-fluoride toothpastes for children and better public health guidelines on fluoride use..
Brisbane Paediatric Dentist sees this condition in many children, but fortunately it is treatable. We’ve created this guide to help you spot dental fluorosis before it goes too far, so that you can give your children normal, healthy teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Dental fluorosis happens when teeth get too much fluoride while growing under the gums, but only affects children under 8 years old.
- Children who swallow toothpaste have a higher risk of fluorosis, with research showing kids under six swallow between 25-33% of toothpaste when brushing.
- Fluorosis is more common in areas with high natural fluoride in water, especially some rural parts of Australia.
- You can prevent fluorosis by using only water for cleaning teeth under 18 months.
What do Mottled Teeth Look Like?
Mottled teeth have irregular spots or patches that differ in colour from the rest of your tooth. You might notice white, yellow, or brown patches on your teeth. These marks can appear as streaks, speckles, or blotches on the tooth surface, making your smile look uneven in colour.
You might also see slight white spots or streaks in very mild cases of fluorosis teeth. Moderate cases show more extensive white patches. Serious cases display brown staining and pitting on the tooth surface, which can affect how your teeth look and function.
It’s important to know that only children under 8 can get fluorosis while their teeth are still forming. Adults and children over 8 cannot develop it, even if they consume too much fluoride.
What are the Main Risk Factors for Dental Fluorosis in Australian Children?
Too much fluoride during tooth growth is the main risk factor for dental fluorosis in Australian children. This includes drinking water with high fluoride, eating toothpaste, using too many fluoride products, and mixing baby formula with tap water. Children under 8 years face the most risk.
Small children who swallow toothpaste have higher risk. Research shows that children under the age of six usually swallow between 25%-33% of toothpaste during each brushing. That’s why you should watch your child brush and use only a small bit of toothpaste made for their age.
Here’s a breakdown of all the risk factors for dental fluorosis:
| Risk Factor | Explanation | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Excess Fluoride Intake | Occurs when children consume more fluoride than recommended during tooth development | Drinking water toothpaste supplements |
| Age of Exposure | Children under 8 are most vulnerable as their permanent teeth are still forming | Birth to around 7 years old |
| Swallowing Toothpaste | Young children often swallow toothpaste instead of spitting it out | Fluoridated toothpaste |
| Use of Fluoride Supplements | Supplements can raise total fluoride intake especially if not medically advised | Tablets drops lozenges |
| Fluoridated Water Supply | Living in areas with high fluoride levels increases risk | Public tap water in some regions |
| Diet and Nutrition | Poor nutrition may affect how fluoride is processed in the body | Low calcium or poor general diet |
| Socioeconomic Factors | May influence exposure through product use health awareness and supervision | Limited dental guidance or education |
| Parental Supervision | Lack of supervision during brushing increases the chance of overexposure | Unsupervised use of fluoride toothpaste |
Is Dental Fluorosis an Emergency Issue?
No, dental fluorosis is not an emergency issue. It’s a cosmetic problem that happens when your teeth get too much fluoride while they’re still forming under your gums. This causes white spots or, in worse cases, brown marks and rough patches on your teeth.
Dental fluorosis doesn’t hurt and doesn’t need instant treatment. It only affects how your teeth look, not how well they work. Since the damage happens during tooth growth, it can’t get worse once your teeth have fully formed.
Are Mottled Teeth More Common in Certain Areas in Australia?
Yes, mottled teeth (dental fluorosis) are more common in some parts of Australia than others. Areas with higher-than-optimal fluoride levels in drinking water tend to have higher rates of fluorosis. This is especially true in rural regions where natural fluoride levels in groundwater can vary greatly.
Similar studies in Western Australia found differences in fluorosis rates between Perth (with water fluoridated at 0.8 mg/L) and the Bunbury region (with fluoride less than 0.2 mg/L). Research in South Australia showed that children’s fluorosis rates have gone down.over time, mainly due to reduced exposure to fluoride from toothpaste.
How Can You Prevent Dental Fluorosis in Your Children?
You can prevent dental fluorosis in your children by watching how much fluoride they get during their first eight years of life. Dental fluorosis isn’t a major public health issue in Australia, but you should still take steps to prevent it. The biggest risk comes from children swallowing fluoride products like toothpaste.
How is Dental Fluorosis Diagnosed and Treated?
Dental fluorosis (or mottled teeth) can be treated by a trusted Paediatric Dentist. Our team of dentists use special scales to rate fluorosis from very mild to severe. In mild cases, you’ll see white spots or streaks on the teeth. Severe cases show brown stains and pitted enamel.
| Prevention Step | What To Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor Fluoride Intake | Be aware of how much fluoride your child gets during the first eight years | Reduces the risk of mottling in developing teeth |
| Avoid Toothpaste Under 18 Months | Use only water and a soft brush or cloth to clean baby teeth | Prevents early overexposure to fluoride |
| Choose Infant Formula Wisely | Speak to your doctor about the best feeding option for your baby | Helps manage fluoride levels in formula-fed babies |
| Use Pea Sized Toothpaste | For children aged 18 months to 5 years use a small amount of low fluoride paste | Limits the amount of fluoride they might swallow |
| Supervise Toothbrushing | Watch children to ensure they spit out toothpaste rather than swallow it | Prevents unintentional ingestion of fluoride |
| Avoid Fluoride Mouth Rinse | Do not give children under 6 fluoride rinses unless prescribed | Young children may swallow instead of spitting |
| Store Products Safely | Keep toothpaste and fluoride items out of reach when not in use | Prevents accidental ingestion when unsupervised |
| Regular Dental Visits | Take your child to the dentist every six months from age one | Allows early detection and tailored fluoride advice |
Mottling of Teeth (Dental Fluorosis) FAQs
Should children use fluoride toothpaste?
Yes, children should use fluoride toothpaste, but in the right amounts for their age. According to the document you shared, children under 18 months shouldn’t use toothpaste at all—just water and a soft cloth or brush. Children aged 18 months to 5 years should use a small pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste.
Can dietary habits affect fluorosis risk?
Yes, dietary habits can affect fluorosis risk. Drinking water is a major source of fluoride, and mixing baby formula with fluoridated tap water is recognised as a risk factor. What you eat and drink can influence how much fluoride you’re exposed to and how your body processes it.
Can bleaching remove fluorosis stains?
Yes, bleaching (teeth whitening) can help remove fluorosis stains, especially in mild cases. However, the effectiveness of bleaching depends on how severe the fluorosis is. It works better for white spots than for brown stains or pitted enamel, so how far gone the fluorosis is plays a factor in its success.
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