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

There's widespread scientific agreement that ingesting too much fluoride can cause teeth to have a mottled appearance or become pitted, a condition called dental fluorosis.

From Salon • May 7, 2024

In 2015, to reduce the risk of mild fluorosis, the Department of Health and Human Services cut its fluoride recommendations almost in half, from 1.2 milligrams per liter to 0.7 milligrams per liter.

From Washington Post • Aug. 19, 2019

Fluoride levels in water are not regulated in all countries, so fluorosis is a problem in areas with high levels of fluoride in the groundwater.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

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