fluorosis

American  

[floo-roh-sis, flaw-, floh-] / flʊˈroʊ sɪs, flɔ-, floʊ- /

noun

Pathology.

1. an abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluorides, characterized in children by discoloration and pitting of the teeth and in adults by pathological bone changes.

2. Also called mottled enamel.  Dentistry. the changes in tooth enamel symptomatic of fluorosis.

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fluorosis British  

/ flʊəˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. fluoride poisoning, due to ingestion of too much fluoride in drinking water over a long period or to ingestion of pesticides containing fluoride salts. Chronic fluorosis results in mottling of the teeth of children

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Etymology

Origin of fluorosis

First recorded in 1925–30; fluor- + -osis

Example Sentences

Dental fluorosis — a condition that occurs when teeth get too much fluoride and appear to be stained — was also used to assess exposure.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2025

If breastfeeding is not possible, the CDC also endorses using fluoridated water in infant formula, though it suggests mixing the formula with low-fluoride bottled water to lessen the risk of dental fluorosis.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2023

Skeletal fluorosis is a condition that over 2.7 million people suffer from across the world.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

While a well-documented downside is that fluoride can cause fluorosis, a discoloration of tooth enamel, that’s generally not what gets people’s attention.

From Washington Post • Feb. 2, 2018

A report released late last year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked fluoride to an increase among children in dental fluorosis, which causes white or yellow spots on teeth.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2011