Stains on the teeth due to too much fluoride

An excess of fluoride can cause white spots on children's teeth

24/03/2014

For adults, when choosing a suitable toothpaste, especially a sufficient fluoride content is crucial. However, in children, an excess of fluoride can cause the formation of chalky white spots on the teeth, reports the ProDente initiative. In order to prevent the occurrence of this so-called dental fluorosis and still achieve the beneficial effect of fluoride, special children's toothpastes are recommended here, which have a significantly reduced fluoride content.

„Especially with children, the correct dosage of fluoride is particularly important“, reports ProDente. Because „too little fluoride does not provide sufficient protection against caries“ and „too much fluoride can become lodged even before the erosion of the permanent teeth and cause chalky white spots - a first sign of a fluoride fluoride overdose“, the joint initiative of the Federal Dental Association, the Free Association of German Dentists, the Association of German Dental Technicians Guilds, the Association of German Dental Industry and the Federation of Dental Trade. The experts therefore recommend, „from the first baby tooth with a touch of fluoride-containing toothpaste (contains a maximum of 500 ppm fluoride) once a day to clean.“

Adult cream only from the age of six
In particular, if fluoride tablets are given at the same time in the first years of life, the use of toothpaste with too high a fluoride content, according to ProDente, may affect the development of the enamel. The teeth have clearly visible spots on fluoride overdose. In addition, in pronounced forms of dental fluorosis, the resistance of the enamel suffers. In the first year of life, therefore, only a single brushing of the teeth per day with a special toothbrush is recommended. „From the age of two, dentists recommend brushing their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day“, reports ProDente. After reaching the age of six, a switch to adult cream with an average of 1,000 to 1,500 ppm fluoride is recommended. Furthermore, the use of fluoridated table salt in the home is recommended. (Fp)

Picture: birgitH