Fluorosis

Fluorosis Fluorosis 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 fl Dental fluorosis is a condition that causes changes in the appearance of tooth enamel. It may result when children regularly consume fluoride during the teeth-forming years, age 8 and younger. Most dental fluorosis in the U.S. is very mild to mild, appearing as white spots on the tooth surface that may be barely noticeable and do not affect dental function. Moderate and severe forms of dental fluorosis, which are far less common, cause more extensive enamel changes. In the rare, severe form, pits may form in the teeth. The severe form hardly ever occurs in communities where the level of fluoride in water is less than 2 milligrams per liter.

15/08/2022

Facts About Older Adult Oral Health
Older adult couple
By 2060, according to the US Census, the number of US adults aged 65 years or older is expected to reach 98 million, 24% of the overall population.1 Older Americans with the poorest oral health tend to be those who are economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized (e.g., seniors who live in nursing homes) also increases the risk of poor oral health. Adults 50 years and older who smoke are also less likely to get dental care than people who do not smoke.6 Many older Americans do not have dental insurance because they lost their benefits upon retirement and the federal Medicare program does not cover routine dental care.2
Oral health problems in older adults include the following:
Untreated tooth decay. Nearly all adults (96%) aged 65 years or older have had a cavity; 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay.3
Gum disease. A high percentage of older adults have gum disease. About 2 in 3 (68%) adults aged 65 years or older have gum disease.4
Tooth loss. Nearly 1 in 5 of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent among adults aged 75 and older (26%) compared with adults aged 65-74 (13%).3 Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, easily chewed foods instead of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Oral cancer. Cancers of the mouth (oral and pharyngeal cancers) are primarily diagnosed in older adults; median age at diagnosis is 62 years.5
Chronic disease. People with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more likely to develop gum (periodontal) disease, but they are less likely to get dental care than adults without these chronic conditions.6 Also, most older Americans take both prescription and over-the-counter drugs; many of these medications can cause dry mouth. Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of cavities.7

Oral health affects our ability to eat, speak, smile, and show emotions. Oral health also affects a person’s self-esteem...
15/08/2022

Oral health affects our ability to eat, speak, smile, and show emotions. Oral health also affects a person’s self-esteem, school performance, and attendance at work or school. Oral diseases—which range from cavities and gum disease to oral cancer—cause pain and disability for millions of Americans and cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.

Oral health is essential to general health and well-being.Oral disease can cause pain and infections that may lead to pr...
15/08/2022

Oral health is essential to general health and well-being.
Oral disease can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, and learning. It can also affect social interaction and employment potential.1
The three oral conditions that most affect overall health and quality of life are cavities, severe gum disease, and severe tooth loss.2
By age 8, over half of children (52%) have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth.3
Children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities as children from higher-income families.3
1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 currently has cavities.3
Drinking fluoridated water and getting dental sealants (in childhood) prevent cavities and save money by avoiding expensive dental care.4, 5
To***co use and diabetes are two risk factors for gum disease.6, 7
On average, 34 million school hours are lost each year because of unplanned (emergency) dental care, and over $45 billion in US productivity is lost each year due to untreated dental disease.8,9
Medical-dental integration between oral health and chronic disease prevention programs benefits patients and saves money.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and is released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. Almost all water c...
15/08/2022

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and is released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. Almost all water contains some fluoride, but usually not enough to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride can also be added to drinking water supplies as a public health measure for reducing cavities. Decisions about adding fluoride to drinking water are made at the state or local level.
The primary sources for fluoride intake include drinking water in fluoridated communities, toothpaste (if swallowed by young children), beverages and food processed with fluoridated water, dietary prescription supplements that include fluoride (e.g., tablets or drops), and other professional dental products (e.g., mouth rinses, gels, and foams).

14/07/2022

What are the effects on dental health?
Although fluorosis affects the cosmetic appearance of the teeth, the good news is that it rarely impacts basic dental functions. People with moderate or severe fluorosis are more likely to experience sensitive teeth, and may be at greater risk of decay if the enamel structure is weakened in places.
Is fluorosis reversible?
Fluorosis damages teeth while they are developing. By the time they erupt, dental fluorosis reversal isn't possible. However, there are various cosmetic treatment options that can improve appearance
When does fluorosis develop?
Fluorosis can form at any time when the teeth are developing, and this starts in the womb. Even after the teeth are fully developed, the effects of fluorosis can worsen if it's not treated appropriately.
Fluorosis in children
boy checking teeth for fluorosis. Fluorosis in baby teeth should be looked at by a dentist
Children are at risk of fluorosis up to around age eight, which is when most of their teeth have fully developed (but not necessarily erupted). The exception is any wisdom teeth, which won't grow until a few years later.
The more fluoride a child consumes during childhood, the greater the likelihood of their teeth being affected by fluorosis – and the more severe it is likely to be. However, it bears repeating that in the US, even in areas with an artificially fluoridated water supply, the vast majority of fluorosis cases are mild.
White marks on baby teeth can be a sign of fluorosis in toddlers, and it's important to get it diagnosed early on. This way, you can take measures to moderate your child's fluoride consumption before it does any further damage to teeth that are still growing.
Fluorosis in adults
Fluorosis doesn't suddenly appear in adulthood, so if you notice white spots on your teeth which weren't there before, it's likely because of decalcification or some other problem which your dentist can diagnose.
That said, fluorosis which began in childhood may worsen into adulthood if it's not properly treated and monitored. For example, adults with fluorosis might have sensitive teeth, and may be susceptible to tooth decay if their tooth enamel is damaged or weakened in places.

Fluorosis is one of the few dental conditions that has nothing to do with poor oral hygiene. It occurs only when the tee...
14/07/2022

Fluorosis is one of the few dental conditions that has nothing to do with poor oral hygiene. It occurs only when the teeth are developing, before they erupt into the mouth, and it's dependent on the fluoride we ingest (eat or drink), not just on the products we use in our mouths.
Fortunately, the majority of cases in the US are mild and the results are purely cosmetic and don't negatively impact the enamel. Fluorosis is also quite preventable, as there are several measures you can take to control your child's fluoride intake and reduce the risk of them developing fluorosis.
What causes white spots on teeth from fluorosis?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that's been proven to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. But it's only beneficial when consumed in the correct quantities. Over-consumption of fluoride can mean that teeth and bones don't develop properly.
Fluoride is added to many toothpastes and mouthwashes in approved concentrations. It is also present in many water supplies (whether natural or added) and in lots of foods. The main risk of over-exposure comes from:
Consuming water with high concentrations of fluoride
Eating food contaminated with high levels of fluoride
Swallowing toothpastes or mouthwashes containing fluoride
Taking fluoride supplements when you're already getting enough from other sources

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