At what fluoride concentration in drinking water is there a risk of teeth becoming pitted?

At what fluoride concentration in drinking water is there a risk of teeth becoming pitted?

• A. 2 mg/L
• B. 3 mg/L
• C. 4 mg/L
• D. 5 mg/L

Answer: (C)

The risk of teeth becoming pitted, which is a condition known as dental fluorosis, increases significantly when fluoride concentrations in drinking water exceed certain levels. Research indicates that a fluoride concentration of 4 mg/L is the threshold where the likelihood of dental fluorosis becomes more pronounced. At concentrations higher than 4 mg/L, the risk of developing moderate to severe fluorosis increases, leading to visible changes in the appearance of teeth, including pitting and discoloration. This evidence is supported by various health and environmental studies that indicate safe levels of fluoride for dental health while also highlighting the risks associated with overexposure. Lower concentrations, such as 2 mg/L or 3 mg/L, are generally considered safe and are below the threshold associated with noticeable pitting or more severe forms of fluorosis, making these concentrations less concerning in terms of dental health issues. Concentrations above 4 mg/L, including 5 mg/L, further elevate the risk and may lead to more severe dental health impacts.

The risk of teeth becoming pitted, which is a condition known as dental fluorosis, increases significantly when fluoride concentrations in drinking water exceed certain levels. Research indicates that a fluoride concentration of 4 mg/L is the threshold where the likelihood of dental fluorosis becomes more pronounced.

At concentrations higher than 4 mg/L, the risk of developing moderate to severe fluorosis increases, leading to visible changes in the appearance of teeth, including pitting and discoloration. This evidence is supported by various health and environmental studies that indicate safe levels of fluoride for dental health while also highlighting the risks associated with overexposure.

Lower concentrations, such as 2 mg/L or 3 mg/L, are generally considered safe and are below the threshold associated with noticeable pitting or more severe forms of fluorosis, making these concentrations less concerning in terms of dental health issues. Concentrations above 4 mg/L, including 5 mg/L, further elevate the risk and may lead to more severe dental health impacts.