Disease Associated with Fluoride

Dental fluorosis is a disease caused by excessive fluoride consumption by children ages 8 and under, which can cause white spots (1), staining (2), and/or pitting (3) of the tooth enamel (4). Excessive fluoride consumption can occur from ingesting toothpaste with fluoride and water that has fluoride in it. This disease only happens to children ages 8 and under because their "permanent teeth are developing under the gums"(4). Once the permanent teeth erupt from the gum they cannot develop dental fluorosis.

Dental fluorosis can be prevented by using appropriate toothpaste for children, such as children's toothpaste which do not have fluoride. Parents should also find out how much fluoride is in their tap water so that they can make informed decisions on whether to accept prescribed fluoride supplements for children under the age of 8. And because 75% of the fluoride intake is accounted for by water and processed beverages such as sodas and fruit juices that are made with water, so it is important to know how much fluoride is in your community's water. Also, parents should supervise children during toothbrushing and mouth rinsing with fluoride products to prevent ingestion.

However, if you or your child suffers from dental fluorosis, you can easily resolve the problem with MI Paste (5). MI Paste cannot be commercially purchased, therefore if your dentist does not carry it, please let the dentist know you are interested and they can purchase and prescribe it to you. It is a topical creme that is applied to the surface of the teeth 2-3 times a day. In some cases pretreatment is necessary; bleaching, acid etching, or microabrasion.

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References

(1) (2011). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/dental_fluorosis.htm

(2) (2011). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/dental_fluorosis.htm

(3) (2011). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/dental_fluorosis.htm

(4) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). Community water fluoridation. Retrieved from website: (2011). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/dental_fluorosis.htm

(5) Mi paste™ and mi paste plus™ calcium, phosphate and fluoride tooth treatment frequently asked questions. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.gcamerica.com/products/preventive/MI_Paste/FAQ.php

(6) Mi paste - how it works - 3d animation [Web]. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqinR3KcLr8&feature=youtu.be

(7) (2011). Mi paste plus with recaldent 40 gram melon. (2011). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.mountainside-medical.com/products/MI-Paste-Plus-with-Recaldent-40-Gram-Melon.html