Overview
Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic condition affecting the teeth caused by excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. In Korea, fluorosis is relatively rare due to controlled fluoride levels in water and dental products. Specialized dental clinics and hospitals such as Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Asan Medical Center Dental Clinic, and Samsung Medical Center Dental Department provide diagnosis and cosmetic management.
What is Dental Fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis occurs when high levels of fluoride interfere with enamel formation in children. It usually manifests as white streaks, discoloration, or pitting on the teeth. While it does not typically cause pain or affect tooth function, severe cases can impact appearance and self-esteem.
Symptoms
- White streaks or spots on tooth enamel
- Yellow or brown discoloration in severe cases
- Pitted or rough enamel surface
- Teeth may appear mottled or uneven
- Cosmetic concerns, especially in anterior teeth
Causes
- Excessive fluoride ingestion during childhood (0–8 years)
- Use of high-fluoride toothpaste or supplements
- Fluoridated drinking water above recommended levels
- Environmental exposure to fluoride in certain regions
Risk Factors
- Young children consuming high amounts of fluoride
- Swallowing fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse
- Fluoride supplements without professional guidance
- Areas with naturally high fluoride in water
- Lack of parental supervision during brushing
Complications
- Cosmetic concerns and psychological impact
- Increased self-consciousness or reduced confidence
- Rarely, enamel may be fragile in severe cases
- Minimal functional dental problems in mild cases
Prevention
- Monitor fluoride intake in children
- Use age-appropriate toothpaste with the correct fluoride concentration
- Supervise children while brushing to prevent swallowing
- Avoid unnecessary fluoride supplements unless recommended
- Regular dental check-ups to detect early signs
Treatment Options in Korea
Treatment focuses on cosmetic improvement rather than functional restoration.
- Diagnosis
- Visual examination and dental history
- Grading severity using standardized fluorosis scales
- Assessment of fluoride exposure sources
- Medical Treatments
- Microabrasion to remove superficial enamel stains
- Teeth whitening for discoloration correction
- Dental veneers or bonding for severe pitting or discoloration
- Preventive counseling for children to reduce further fluoride exposure
- Supportive Care
- Education for parents on safe fluoride use
- Regular dental monitoring for enamel health
- Cosmetic consultations for aesthetic concerns
- Specialized Hospitals and Clinics in Korea
- Seoul National University Dental Hospital – Pediatric and cosmetic dentistry
- Asan Medical Center Dental Clinic – Restorative and cosmetic treatments
- Samsung Medical Center Dental Department – Advanced enamel management
- Local dental clinics for preventive care and minor cosmetic corrections
- Long-Term Follow-Up
- Monitor enamel appearance as permanent teeth develop
- Repeat cosmetic treatments as needed
- Continuous education on safe fluoride practices
- Maintain good oral hygiene to preserve tooth aesthetics
