Fluorosis Health Dictionary

Trace element. Imparts ‘tone’ to walls of blood vessels and muscles.

Deficiency. A diet deficient in Fluorine induces relaxed conditions: varicose veins, weak ligaments. Bone-wasting diseases – osteoporosis, dental decay.

Body effects. Maintains vascular, bone and dental health.

Sources. Meat, fish (where bones are consumed) sardines, salmon. Plants: Garlic, Watercress.

Note: Excess causes: fluorosis – mottling of teeth, arthritic joints and increased density of the bones. Controversial government policy promotes addition of Sodium flouride to water to achieve a minimum of one part per million. ... fluorine

The deposition of calcium salts in developing teeth. Primary teeth begin to calcify in a fetus at between 3 and 6 months gestation; calcification of permanent teeth (other than the wisdom teeth) begins between birth and 4 years. Abnormal calcification occurs in amelogenesis imperfecta, an inherited disorder of the enamel (see hypoplasia, enamel), and can also result from the absorption of high levels of fluoride (see fluorosis).... calcification, dental

Teeth that are abnormally coloured or stained. Extrinsic stains, on the tooth’s surface, are common, but are usually easily removed by polishing. They can be prevented by regular tooth cleaning. Smoking tobacco produces a brownish-black deposit. Pigment-producing bacteria can leave a visible line along the teeth, especially in children. Some dyes in foodstuffs can cause yellowing; dark brown spots may be due to areas of thinned enamel stained by foods. Some bacteria produce an orange-red stain. Stains may also follow the use of drugs containing metallic salts.

Intrinsic stains, within the tooth’s substance, are permanent. Causes include death of the pulp or the removal of the pulp during root-canal treatment and the use of the antibiotic tetracycline in children. Mottling of the tooth enamel occurs if excessive amounts of fluoride are taken during development of the enamel (see fluorosis). Hepatitis during infancy may cause discoloration of the primary teeth. The teeth of children with congenital malformation of the bile ducts may be similarly affected.

Many stains can be covered or diminished with cosmetic dental procedures.... discoloured teeth

A mineral that helps to prevent dental caries by strengthening tooth enamel (see teeth), making it more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride may also reduce the acid-producing ability of microorganisms in plaque. In the , fluoride is added to the water supply; it can also be applied directly to the teeth as part of dental treatment or used in the form of mouthwashes or toothpastes. Ingestion of excess fluoride during tooth formation can lead to fluorosis.... fluoride

n. the controlled addition of *fluoride to the public drinking water supply in order to reduce *dental caries. Drinking water with a fluoride ion content of one part per million is effective in reducing caries throughout life when given during the years of tooth development. See also fluorosis.... fluoridation