Fluorosis of Permanent Teeth

• Fluorosis occurs when fluoride incorporated into the enamel of teeth during tooth development
  • Fluorosis rarely present in baby teeth
  • Discoloration is spread throughout entire surface, not limited to the gum line
  • Slight horizontal lines accompany this pattern
  • Teeth are otherwise

Stephen Barrett, M.D. and Robert S. Baratz,, M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D.

Differentiating Fluorosis and Caries

• White lesions in baby teeth are almost always caries
• Caries forms at the border of tooth and gum
• Fluorosis appears in permanent teeth
• If caries is mistaken for fluorosis it leads to improper treatments
  • Inappropriately limiting fluoride use
  • Giving inaccurate guidance regarding water and tooth paste