Dental fluorosis

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Dental fluorosis
Dental fluorosis (mild).png
Synonyms Mottled enamel
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Discoloration of teeth, enamel defects
Complications Tooth decay (in severe cases)
Onset During tooth development
Duration Permanent
Types N/A
Causes Excessive fluoride intake during enamel formation
Risks High fluoride levels in drinking water, excessive use of fluoride-containing products
Diagnosis Clinical examination, dental history
Differential diagnosis Enamel hypoplasia, tetracycline staining
Prevention Monitoring fluoride intake, using appropriate fluoride levels in water
Treatment Cosmetic dentistry procedures, microabrasion, bleaching
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Varies by region, more common in areas with high natural fluoride levels
Deaths N/A


A condition that results from excessive fluoride ingestion during tooth development, resulting in tooth discoloration ranging from white streaks to brown stains and cracks or pits in the tooth ]]enamel]].

Fluorosis
Fluorosis

What causes dental fluorosis?[edit | edit source]

Excess fluoride consumed during tooth development can also result in a range of visible changes to the enamel surface of the tooth. These changes have been broadly termed dental fluorosis.

Changes in enamel[edit | edit source]

  • Dental fluorosis is a condition that causes changes in the appearance of tooth enamel.
  • It may result when children regularly consume fluoride during the teeth-forming years, age 8 and younger.
  • It appears as white spots on the tooth surface that may be barely noticeable and do not affect dental function.
  • Moderate and severe forms of dental fluorosis, which are far less common, cause more extensive enamel changes.
  • In the rare, severe form, pits may form in the teeth.
Dental fluorosis
Dental fluorosis

Young children at risk[edit | edit source]

  • Dental fluorosis is caused by taking in too much fluoride over a long period when the teeth are forming under the gums.
  • Only children aged 8 years and younger are at risk because this is when permanent teeth are developing; children older than 8 years, adolescents, and adults cannot develop dental fluorosis.
  • The severity of the condition depends on the dose (how much), duration (how long), and timing (when consumed) of fluoride intake.

Safe flouride levels[edit | edit source]

Fluoride tablets or drops should not be used at all if your drinking water has the recommended fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L or higher.

Also see[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD