TEETH BLEACHING - FLUOROSIS

FLUOROSIS 

This staining is due to excessive fluoride uptake with the developing enamel layers. The fluoride source can be from the ingestion of excessive fluoride in the drinking water or from overuse of fluoride tablets or fluoride toothpastes (Shannon 1978). It occurs within the superficial enamel, and appears as white or brown patches of irregular shape and form (Figure 1.7). The acquisition of stain, however, is post-eruptive. The teeth are not discoloured on eruption, but as the surface is porous they gradually absorb the coloured chemicals present in the oral cavity (Rotstein 1998). Staining due to fluorosis manifests in three different ways: as simple fluorosis, opaque fluorosis, or fluorosis with pitting (Nathoo and Gaffar 1995). Simple fluorosis appears as brown pigmentation on a smooth enamel surface, while opaque fluorosis appears as grey or white flecks on the tooth surface. Fluorosis with pitting occurs a.s defects in the enamel surface and the colour appears to be darker (Figure 1.7B).

Stannous fluoride treatment causes discoloration by reactions of the tooth with the tin ion (Shannon 1978). No intraoral discolorations occur from topical use of fluoride at low concentrations. The severity and degree of staining are directly related to the amount of fluoride ingested during odontogenesis.