Fluorosis is a crippling and painful disease caused by intake of fluoride. Fluoride can enter the body through drinking water, food, toothpaste, mouth rinses and other dental products; drugs, and fluoride dust and fumes from industries using fluoride containing salt and or hydrofluoric acid.

In normal doses fluoride is a healthy compound that promotes strong teeth, which has the ability to fight cavities and other problems. But sometimes, fluorosis occurs when fluoride-containing toothpastes or rinses are swallowed, instead of expelled.

This results in mottling of the tooth which shows up initially as “white spots”, progressing into permanently stained, brown mottled teeth.

The enamel in turn now beomes subject to decay, thus leading to the formation of caries, lesions or cavities. The tooth becomes more porous, with porosity of the tooth affected increasing relative to the degree of fluorosis.

The degree of fluorosis is directly related to tooth eruption.

If you feel you have fluorosis, please see your dentist.