Growth & Development
Paul J. Kolman, DMD
Pediatric Dental Resident
Case Western Reserve University — UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Sarah Milo, DDS
Attending
Case Western Reserve University Pediatric Dentistry
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Margaret Elaine Ferretti, DMD, MPH
Program Director
Case Western Reserve University
Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Margaret Elaine Ferretti, DMD, MPH
Program Director
Case Western Reserve University
Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Sarah Milo, DDS
Attending
Case Western Reserve University Pediatric Dentistry
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic dental condition, which is characterized by hypomineralization of enamel, due to excessive exposure to fluoride during enamel mineralization. The late secretory and maturation phases of enamel development are vulnerable to disruption by exposure to inappropriate levels of fluoride ions. This disruption leads to water and secretory proteins, such as amelogenins to be retained resulting in enamel subsurface porosity. Mild cases of fluorosis present as white lines or spots due to accentuated perikymata. In severe cases, the entire enamel surface is chalky white. Discoloration can occur due to the susceptibility of the fluorotic enamel’s porosity to extrinsic stains. Pitting and detachment of surface enamel is seen in cases with extensive subsurface porosity subjected to post-eruptive trauma. In the most severe cases only an opaque cervical rim of enamel remains. Children up until the age of 8 are at risk of developing fluorosis if they ingest excessive amounts of fluoride. In North America mild fluorosis is very common affecting 1 in every 4 Americans between the ages of 6 and 49. While moderate to severe cases of fluorosis are much less common. The literature suggests that other enamel defects are commonly misdiagnosed as fluorosis. Which emphasizes the importance of collecting a complete medical and social history to correctly diagnose enamel defects. This project reviews the cause, diagnosis, and future management of a 7-year-old female who presented to our clinic with severe fluorosis of her current permanent dentition and mild to moderate fluorosis of her 2nd primary molars.