Dr. Ritu Singla

Is a cosmetic condition that affects the teeth. It’s caused by overexposure to fluoride during the first eight years of life. This is the time when most permanent teeth are being formed. After the teeth come in, the teeth of those affected by fluorosis may appear mildly discolored. 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 Pits that are highly noticeable How Widespread Is Fluorosis? Fluorosis first attracted attention in the early 20th Century. Researchers were surprised by the high prevalence of what was called “Colorado Brown Stain” on the teeth of native-born residents of Colorado Springs. The stains were caused by high levels of fluoride in the local water supply. This was fluoride that occurred naturally in the ground water. People with these stains also had an unusually high resistance to dental cavities. This sparked a movement to introduce fluoride into public water supplies at a level that could prevent cavities but without causing fluorosis. Fluorosis affects nearly one in every four Americans ages 6 to 49. It’s most prevalent in those ages 12 to 15. The vast majority of cases are mild, and only about 2% are considered “moderate.” Less than 1% are “severe.” But researchers have also observed that since the mid-1980s, the prevalence of fluorosis in children ages 12 to 15 has increased. Although fluorosis is not a disease, its effects can be psychologically distressing and difficult to treat. Parental vigilance can play an important role in preventing fluorosis. Fluorosis Causes A major cause of fluorosis is the inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. Sometimes, children enjoy the taste of fluoridated toothpaste so much that they swallow it instead of spitting it out. But there are other causes of fluorosis. For example, taking a higher-than-prescribed amount of a fluoride supplement during early childhood can cause it. So can taking a fluoride supplement when fluoridated drinking water or fluoride-fortified fruit juices and soft drinks already provide the right amount. Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water Fluoride occurs naturally in water. Natural fluoride levels above the currently recommended range for drinking water may increase the risk for severe fluorosis. In communities where natural levels exceed 2 parts per million, the CDC recommends that parents give children water from other sources. Prompted by concerns that children may be getting too much fluoride, the Health and Human Services Department in January 2011 lowered its recommended level of fluoride in drinking water. And the Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing its rules on the upper limit of fluoride levels in drinking water. Fluorosis Symptoms Symptoms of fluorosis range from tiny white specks or streaks that may be unnoticeable to dark brown stains and rough, pitted enamel that is difficult to clean. Teeth that are unaffected by fluorosis are smooth and glossy. They should also be a pale creamy white. Contact your dentist if you notice that your child’s teeth have white streaks or spots or if you observe one or more discolored teeth. Since the 1930s, dentists have rated the severity of fluorosis using the following categories: Questionable. The enamel shows slight changes ranging from a few white flecks to occasional white spots. Very mild. Small opaque paper-white areas are scattered over less than 25% of the tooth surface. Mild. White opaque areas on the surface are more extensive but still affect less than 50% of the surface. Moderate. White opaque areas affect more than 50% of the enamel surface. Severe. All enamel surfaces are affected. The teeth also have pitting that may be discrete or may run together. Fluorosis Treatments In many cases, fluorosis is so mild that no treatment is needed. Or, it may only affect the back teeth where it can’t be seen. The appearance of teeth affected by moderate-to-severe fluorosis can be significantly improved by a variety of techniques. Most of them are aimed at masking the stains. Such techniques may include: Tooth whitening and other procedures to remove surface stains; note that bleaching teeth may temporarily worsen the appearance of fluorosis. 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; these are used in cases of severe fluorosis. MI Paste, a calcium phosphate product that is sometimes combined with methods like microabrasion to minimize tooth discoloration Fluorosis Treatments In many cases, fluorosis is so mild that no treatment is needed. Or, it may only affect the back teeth where it can’t be seen. The appearance of teeth affected by moderate-to-severe fluorosis can be significantly improved by a variety of techniques. Most of them are aimed at masking the stains. Such techniques may include: Tooth whitening and other procedures to remove surface stains; note that bleaching teeth may temporarily worsen the appearance of fluorosis. 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; these are used in cases of severe fluorosis. MI Paste, a calcium phosphate product that is sometimes combined with methods like microabrasion to minimize tooth discoloration.

For mentally compromised individuals, the neural regulation of salivary flow is impaired. Hence, drooling is seen. Antisialagogue can be taken with prescription from a doctor.

Well brush twice daily,,at night brush with baking soda and rinse ur mouth with lemon water,,chew few leaves of neem at night,,with this u need proper homoeopathic treatment to cure ur problem permanently

Dear Lybrate user, if your tooth is yellow colour since childhood, it my be your natural colour. If you are not clean your teeth by dentist in near minimum six month, then please consult to dentist for scailling or bleaching of your teeth. After scailling/bleaching you will obtain your natural colour teeth. *i want to remind you again that scailling of teeth in less than 6 month is harmful of teeth. Minimum time period between two scailing should be 6 month.

There are many underlying causes of bad breath, but very common are: food stagnation, poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, gastric ulcer. You can even consult gastro enterologist.

Smoking or consuming smokeless tobacco is very harmful for your teeth. It can lead to various oral diseases like oral cancer, gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay.

The simplest method of removing minor surface stains is polishing, or micro-abrasion if staining is more intrinsic. Provided that your discolouration is not due to inadequate enamel exposing the dentin, tooth whitening (bleaching) is often the most effective treatment for yellow stained teeth. Advance procedures can be done with laser. Use snowdent tooth paste for whitening until then. Apply snowdent paste on the teeth. Wait for 10 to 15 min. Then brush your teeth with the same paste. Applying it overnight for better results.

Get your dental check up done by a dentist. problem of tongue can be diagnosed after clinical examination.