Does your child have white spots on their teeth? One of the most common causes is dental fluorosis. It isn't usually serious, but it's worth knowing why it appears, how to prevent it and what can be done to improve how the teeth look.
What is dental fluorosis?
It's an enamel change caused by too much fluoride while the teeth are forming, in other words in the first years of life (especially up to age 6–8). The right amount of fluoride protects against decay, but too much disrupts the mineralisation of the enamel.
Once a tooth has come through, fluoride no longer causes fluorosis: that's why it affects young children and not adults.
How is it recognised?
- Mild: lines or small opaque white spots, sometimes hard to see.
- Moderate: larger white patches or brownish areas.
- Severe (uncommon): enamel with small irregularities or weaker areas.
Note: not all white spots are fluorosis. They can also be due to early decay (demineralisation), knocks to the baby tooth or other enamel defects. That's why a dentist should assess them.
How to prevent it
The key is using fluoride in the right amount for each age:
- Under 3: fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice.
- Aged 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount.
- Always supervise brushing and teach your child to spit out the toothpaste, not swallow it.
- Don't use adult toothpastes with sweet flavours that encourage swallowing.
- Don't give fluoride supplements unless a professional has recommended them.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on how severe the spots are and the child's age:
- Mild cases: often need no treatment, or techniques that improve the enamel surface are enough.
- More visible spots: can be treated with minimally invasive techniques that even out the enamel colour.
- Teenagers and adults: whitening or, in more marked cases, composite veneers can greatly improve the appearance.
In young children we usually wait for the permanent tooth to mature before cosmetic treatment, unless there are weak areas that need protecting.
Frequently asked questions
Is fluoride bad for children?
No. The right amount of fluoride is the best protection against decay. The problem is only excess while teeth are forming.
Is fluorosis contagious or does it get worse?
It isn't contagious and doesn't get worse: once the tooth has formed, the spot doesn't progress.
Does it affect the tooth's health?
In most cases it's only cosmetic. In severe cases the enamel may be weaker and should be monitored.
If you notice white spots on your child's teeth, come to our Gavà clinic: our paediatric dentistry team will advise you on the best treatment. More about paediatric dentistry in Gavà.
