Dental fluorosis is a condition that is caused by the chronic ingestion of too much fluoride during that time period when a child's tooth enamel is forming. This condition is evidenced by the tooth staining that it causes. The vast majority of dental fluorosis that occurs in the United States is a mild form characterized by the appearance of chalky-white lines or opaque-white patches in a tooth's enamel. More severe forms of fluorosis can occur however.
In extreme forms the affected areas have a yellow or brown discoloration. In some cases severe forms of fluorosis will result in a pitted tooth surface. (For a real life example of fluorosis, see our Cosmetic Dentistry section, case # 8.)
In order to cause dental fluorosis the fluoride must be ingested (swallowed) during that time period when the child's tooth enamel is forming. The most critical years associated with the formation of dental fluorosis lie between birth and age 6 or 7. Because the fluorosis staining occurs while the teeth are developing, evidence of this stain cannot be visualized until the affected teeth have erupted, which is typically between the years 6 through 12.
Print
Add Feedback