How to Prevent Fluorosis in Toddlers.

Fluorosis is a dental condition resulting from ingesting too much fluoride in the early years of life. The excess fluoride affects the growth of the adult teeth before they erupt in the child’s mouth, causing discoloration on the surface of teeth.  

The guide below has answers to all your questions about fluorosis, and how to prevent it in your toddler.

What Is Fluorosis?  

Fluorosis is a dental condition that results from children ingesting too much fluoride before their adult teeth grow in. When the adult teeth grow in, fluorosis causes white spots on the teeth, or in severe cases, dark spots and pitting on the surface of the teeth. 

Fluoride offers important benefits for the teeth, so children should get some fluoride to protect against cavities and keep tooth enamel strong. Drinking water is often treated with a small amount of fluoride, and toddlers should brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste fortified with fluoride. Spitting out the toothpaste is important, however: swallowing too much toothpaste can lead to mild or moderate fluorosis.

Is Fluorosis Bad for Teeth?  

Because fluoride is good for teeth enamel, fluorosis is more of a cosmetic issue than a health concern. Milder cases create noticeable white spots on the teeth, while more severe cases cause darker spots and pitting on the surface of the tooth. Because of these concerns, and to keep teeth white, healthy, and happy, monitor your child’s fluoride intake to prevent fluorosis.

Can Baby Teeth Get Fluorosis? 

Baby teeth can exhibit signs of fluorosis, including white spots, from the same causes as fluorosis in adult teeth. The major concern with fluorosis in toddlers, however, is the impact of excess fluoride on the adult teeth as they are growing under the gumline. Once these teeth emerge, they cannot get fluorosis.  

Whether you are concerned about your toddler’s baby teeth or their developing adult teeth, you should take the same measures to prevent fluorosis: use only a very small amount of toothpaste, teach your toddler to spit it in the sink, and store any fluoridated products out of reach of children.

What Are White Spots on Baby Teeth? 

If you notice white spots on your baby’s teeth, it could be a sign of fluorosis, or of early tooth decay. White spots may appear around the base of the tooth as a result of mineral loss on the enamel. If you notice white spots on your baby or toddler’s teeth, visit a dentist for more information on how to treat the issue.

Can Baby Formula Cause Fluorosis? 

The powdered formula itself is not fluoridated and cannot cause fluorosis. However, infants may be at risk of mild fluorosis if their diet consists entirely of powdered formula mixed with water, and the water supply is treated with fluoride. This can be remedied by swapping out fluoridated tap water for non-fluoridated bottled water for some feedings.  

To find out if your water supply is treated with fluoride, you can search the CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride database for your state and county. If your water is treated, talk to your pediatrician about reducing risk of fluorosis with infant formula.

How Can You Prevent Fluorosis in Toddlers? 

Fluorosis is preventable. Proper oral healthcare and careful supervision of your toddler’s dental hygiene routine will ensure they receive the proper amount of fluoride in their diet.  

Follow these steps to ensure the proper amount of fluoride and prevent fluorosis in your child’s adult teeth.

Use only small amounts of toothpaste and teach children to spit after brushing.  

Children up to 6 years old have poorer swallowing control than older children, making it more likely they will accidentally swallow toothpaste, which can lead to fluorosis. For that reason, use only a smear of toothpaste when brushing your toddler’s teeth until 3 years old, and increase to a pea-sized amount after 3. Teach them to spit in the sink when brushing, and don’t have them rinse with water (which they’re more likely to swallow).

Store fluoridated products such as fluoride pills and toothpaste out of reach of children.  

Children’s toothpaste is often flavored to encourage them to brush, which can lead them to seek it out for a tasty snack. Store toothpaste, fluoride pills, and other such treatments out of reach of children, either in high cabinets or with a secure locking system in lower drawers or cabinets. Explain to your children the risks of ingesting too much toothpaste and encourage them in proper brushing habits.

Find out whether your local water supply is treated with fluoride.  

Many municipal water systems are treated with small amounts of fluoride. This a public health initiative that has proved extremely successful at reducing tooth decay in the general public. The trace levels of fluoride in water are safe and have not been linked to fluorosis, but if your water is treated you may want to avoid supplemental fluoride treatment for your child. You can find out whether your local water supply is treated with fluoride from the CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride guide.

Consult with a doctor before giving your child supplemental fluoride treatment. 

If your local water supply is not treated with fluoride, ask your doctor about supplemental fluoride treatments such as fluoride pills or varnishes to ensure your child gets enough fluoride in their diet. 

If your water is treated, check with your doctor or dentist before giving your child supplemental fluoride treatment, as children who consume both may receive too much fluoride.

Limit Sugar Intake in Your Toddler’s Diet.  

Sugary foods and drinks do not cause fluorosis, but they do cause dental decay and cavities. Encourage healthy snacking with fresh fruit and vegetables and give your child water instead of soda or fruit juice.

Schedule your child for dental visits 2 times a year, beginning in their first year. 

The American Dental Association recommends children visit a dentist within 6 moths of growing their first tooth, and no later than their first birthday. Regular, twice yearly visits ensure that your dentist can monitor your toddler’s dental development, ensuring healthy teeth and the proper amount of fluoride.

Should I Use a Fluoride Toothpaste for My Toddler? 

Yes. Fluoride offers significant benefits to the healthy development of children’s teeth. Children’s toothpaste is fortified with the right amount of fluoride for children, which helps protect the enamel on your child’s baby teeth and the adult teeth forming below the gumline. To make sure your toddler doesn’t ingest too much fluoride, use only a smear of toothpaste on children 1-3, and then a pea-sized amount for children 3+. Instruct your toddler to spit rather than swallow the toothpaste, and don’t give them water to rinse before spitting as they will likely swallow it accidentally.