Note from the Fluoride Action Network,
The following information, online today, was “last reviewed: March 8, 2019”. As one can read, there are no warnings or information for bottle-fed infants, child carers, and others regarding fluroide’s neurotoxicity. Nor is there any mention of the 63 IQ fluoride studies or the Mother-Offspring fluoride studies. We include this for historical purposes only. (EC)

Fluorosis

Overview

The proper amount of fluoride helps prevent and control tooth decay in children and adults. Fluoride works both while the teeth are developing

and every day after the teeth have emerged through the gums. Fluoride consumed during tooth development can also result in a range of visible changes to the enamel surface of the tooth. These changes have been broadly termed dental fluorosis.

What is dental fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a condition that causes changes in the appearance of tooth enamel. It may result when children regularly consume fluoride during the teeth-forming years, age 8 and younger. Most dental fluorosis in the U.S. is very mild to mild, appearing as white spots on the tooth surface that may be barely noticeable and do not affect dental function. Moderate and severe forms of dental fluorosis, which are far less common, cause more extensive enamel changes. In the rare, severe form, pits may form in the teeth. The severe form hardly ever occurs in communities where the level of fluoride in water is less than 2 milligrams per liter.

What does dental fluorosis look like?

  • Very mild and mild forms of dental fluorosis—teeth have scattered white flecks, occasional white spots, frosty edges, or fine, lacy chalk-like lines. These changes are barely noticeable and difficult to see except by a dental health care professional.
  •  Moderate and severe forms of dental fluorosis—teeth have larger white spots and, in the rare, severe form, rough, pitted surfaces.
Image of normal tooth with semi-translucent structure and smooth, glossy, pale cream color.Cdc-image QuestionableCdc-image
Image of questionable fluorosis. Teeth show some slight differences from normal translucent appearance. Some white spots are apparent but not enough to warrant a diagnosis of very mild fluorosis.Cdc-image
Very mildCdc-image
Image of very mild fluorosis. Teeth with small, paper-white opaque spots over a small area.Cdc-image
MildCdc-image
Image of mild fluorosis. Teeth show white opaque areas covering an extensive portion, but not as much as 50%, of the total surface.Cdc-image
ModerateCdc-image
Image of moderate fluorosis. All surfaces of teeth affected with opaque areas and teeth show marked wear and brown staining. Cdc-image
SevereCdc-image
Image of severe fluorosis. All enamel surfaces of teeth are affected and the teeth do not exhibit normal development. The teeth are pitted and brown staining is also apparent.Cdc-image