What is fluorosis and when does it occur?
Dental fluorosis is a change in the appearance of teeth and is caused when higher than optimal amounts of fluoride are ingested in early childhood while tooth enamel is forming. The risk of dental fluorosis can be greatly reduced by closely monitoring the proper use of fluoride products by young children. Dental fluorosis is caused by a disruption in enamel formation which occurs during tooth development in early childhood. Enamel formation of permanent teeth, other than third molars (wisdom teeth), occurs from about the time of birth until approximately five years of age. After tooth enamel is completely formed, dental fluorosis cannot develop even if excessive fluoride is ingested. Older children and adults are not at risk for dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis only becomes apparent when the teeth erupt. Because dental fluorosis occurs while teeth are forming under the gums, teeth that have erupted are not at risk for dental fluorosis. (American Dental Association.
