What Is Fluorosis? Glen Iris Dental Guide from Tooronga Family Dentistry

During the formation of our teeth and bones fluoride can become embedded in them as part of their mineral content. Normally the mineral content of the teeth and the bones is hydroxy apatite which is made of calcium, phosphate and hydroxyl ions. But if fluoride ions are present, during the formation of these tissues, they can replace the hydroxyl ones and form a crystal called fluoro-apatite, which can interfere with the proper formation of the teeth and bones. This the reason why ingesting high doses of fluoride will lead to the formation of floor-apatite in the teeth.

When we are born our “baby” and permanent teeth are already forming under our gums in the jawbone. An overexposure to fluoride during the pregnancy or during the first eight years of life, will lead to changes in the formation of the teeth and the appearance of stains – these stains are called fluorosis. There can be different stains ranging from yellow to dark brown and there can be pits and surface irregularities depending on the severity of the affliction.