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

Severe fluorosis, which is much rarer, damages bones.

From Washington Post • Aug. 19, 2019

The most serious side effect of excess fluoride is the bone disease, skeletal fluorosis.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

On their Web sites, the groups argue that fluoridation would lead to fluorosis, a rare staining of the teeth.

From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2012