Information about Fluorosis and Prevident 5000 Booster

To help our patients protect their teeth while in treatment, Dr. Monacell prescribes Prevident 5000 Booster toothpaste to each patient. This toothpaste is higher in fluoride and helps fight plaque buildup which can occur easier when a person has braces. The extra fluoride also strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to decay and decalcification. Research has also shown that it can help to re-mineralize enamel which has become decalcified. This toothpaste is to be used one time daily. Use your regular toothpaste the other times you brush. There has been a spike in children with a condition called Fluorosis and we want to eliminate any confusion there may be about what causes it, We ask that you please read the following information on Fluorosis and contact our office or your Dentist with any questions or concerns.

Dental Fluorosis is a health condition caused by a child receiving too much fluoride during tooth development. Having the proper amount of fluoride in your drinking water is very important to protect your teeth from decay. A common mistake that some parents make is only giving their young children bottled water, which contains no fluoride. The critical period of exposure to fluoride is between the ages of 1 and 4 years, when the enamel of the permanent teeth is forming. Children over age 8 are not at risk for Fluorosis. In its mild form, which is the most common, Fluorosis appears as tiny whit streaks or specks that are often unnoticeable in the enamel of the teeth. In its severest form, which is also called mottling of dental enamel, it is characterized by black and brown stains, as well as cracking and pitting of the teeth.

Fluorosis occurs when a child has ingested too much fluoride. The most likely source of too much fluoride is your well water. If you are concerned that your child may be at risk for Fluorosis, we recommend that you take the following steps to eliminate or prevent your child's risk:

• We recommend you visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dental_fluorosis to find out more information about Fluorosis, risk factors, and safe fluoride consumption levels.



• Check with your city/county water provider to see what the fluoride levels are in your water.



• If you use well water at your home, have the county test it to determine the amount of naturally occurring fluoride in the water.



• If your child is between the ages of 1-4 years, be sure that they are using a non-fluoride or low fluoride toothpaste when brushing because of the risk they may swallow it.



• Hold off on having your child use fluoride mouth rinses until you are sure that they will not swallow it and are able to spit it out after rinsing.



• Be sure to keep regular appointments for your child to see his/her dentist for cleanings and discuss any concerns you may have at each appointment.

Early Treatment FAQ

Q. Why is "early treatment" or Phase I recommended for some children?

A. In some cases, preventive or interceptive care can guide the jaws and erupting teeth into more favorable positions, improve the growth and alignment of the jaws, preserve space for the permanent teeth, and/or reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruding front teeth. Early treatment is not about straightening the teeth, but more about influencing the growth of the jaws to make room for the erupting permanent teeth. This treatment, in many cases, alleviates the need for extractions and jaw surgery later.

Q. What is the psychological impact of orthodontic therapy?

A. Treatment may reduce appearance consciousness during the critical developmental years. Appearance can have an effect on popularity, social behaviors, self-expectation, personality style, and self-image. Also, orthodontic therapy may lessen the likelihood that a child will be picked on by other children.

Q. Why is the adolescent growth spurt so important in orthodontics?

A. This is a time when much of the growth of the face occurs. Treatment during this period provides an opportunity to favorably influence the facial profile in a growing child. Once growth of the facial bones is complete, correction of jaw discrepancies usually requires surgery. For this reason, early treatment may save considerable time and money.

Q. What can we expect from your practice?

A. You can expect a unique combination of art, science, and experience. Our goal is to provide the highest level of orthodontic therapy possible in a caring, friendly environment. We intend to treat you so well personally and technically that you will feel comfortable in recommending us to your friends and family.