What effect does excessive fluoride concentration have on dental health?

What effect does excessive fluoride concentration have on dental health?

• A. Enhances enamel strength
• B. Causes pitting of the teeth
• C. Prevents cavities
• D. Aids in remineralization

Answer: (B)

Excessive fluoride concentrations in drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis, which manifests as the pitting and discoloration of the teeth. This occurs because high levels of fluoride during the formative years of tooth development can disrupt the normal process of enamel formation. Instead of the smooth, strong enamel that is characteristic of healthy teeth, individuals exposed to excessive fluoride may develop teeth with surface defects, including pitting and brownish stains. This condition can compromise both the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and their structural integrity, making them more susceptible to cavities and other dental issues in the long term. On the other hand, while fluoride generally aids in cavity prevention and can enhance enamel strength in appropriate concentrations, excessive amounts have the opposite effect, leading to the damaging outcomes associated with dental fluorosis.

Excessive fluoride concentrations in drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis, which manifests as the pitting and discoloration of the teeth. This occurs because high levels of fluoride during the formative years of tooth development can disrupt the normal process of enamel formation. Instead of the smooth, strong enamel that is characteristic of healthy teeth, individuals exposed to excessive fluoride may develop teeth with surface defects, including pitting and brownish stains. This condition can compromise both the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and their structural integrity, making them more susceptible to cavities and other dental issues in the long term.

On the other hand, while fluoride generally aids in cavity prevention and can enhance enamel strength in appropriate concentrations, excessive amounts have the opposite effect, leading to the damaging outcomes associated with dental fluorosis.