We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. This website is currently being updated to enhance the usability and experience for persons with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call 7812462211 and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

Blog

Blog

Everything in Moderation (Including Fluoride)

Posted on: March 20th, 2020 by Lynnfield Dental Associates No Comments

While fluoride is essential for creating a healthy, thick enamel layer on teeth, if too much of it is present, especially at a key point in a child’s dental development, a condition called fluorosis can occur. This condition presents itself most commonly in children as old as nine in the form of discoloration of teeth, usually in the form of solid white spots or streaks on the teeth.

Fear not, though, the amount of fluoride required to cause this is higher than what’s normally found in drinking water and fluoridation fo water has been demonstrated to reduce the number of cavities in the community significantly. Still, the CDC estimates that twenty five percent of the population aged 6-49 have some degree of fluorosis. This demonstrates the importance of making sure your child doesn’t swallow fluoridated mouth wash or toothpaste.

Researchers have found that when enamel cells were exposed to higher than average levels of fluoride, they started behaving in a way that lead to the formation of the enamel crystals that are found in fluorosis. Exposing kidney cells to similar levels of fluoride seemed to not have a smilier impact. This research helps uncover the mechanism behind fluorosis and, armed with this knowledge, researchers might be able to better combat it in the future.

Request an Appointment
To book an appointment, please feel free to call us
at 781.230.7279 or complete the form below.
[gravityform id="2" title="false" description="false" ajax="true"]

Terms and Conditions

Here at Lynnfield Dental Associates, we work diligently to protect our patient's rights and privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what HIPAA has identified as electronically protected information (ePHI). Unfortunately, despite the best efforts we make or take, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the box, and electronically making an appointment, you understand that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Lynnfield Dental Associates will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may not illegally intercept this communication. As a result of continuing, you are sending this transmission and accepting the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. As an alternative, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.