DENTAL FLUOROSIS

BY DR KASHAF HAFEEZ
DEFINITION:

Fluorosis is a crippling disease resulted from deposition of

fluorides in the hard and soft tissues of body.
It is a public health problem caused by excess intake of
fluoride through drinking water/food products/industrial
pollutants over a long period.
Ingestion of excess fluoride, most commonly in drinking-
water affects the teeth and bones.
CAUSES:

Fluorosis is caused by excessive intake of fluorides from

multiple sources such as in food, water, air (due to
gaseous industrial waste), and excessive use of
toothpaste.
However, drinking water is the most significant source.
Some other cause includes:

Several beverages, snacks have high content of black rock salt

(CaF2) or (which has 157ppm fluoride) and red rock salts.

Tobacco (aracanut) when they are chewed.

Intake of certain drugs such as fluoroquinolone antibiotics, few

anti-depressants, some anti-fungal drugs, cholesterol-lowering
drugs, steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs, arthritis drugs,
antacids, drugs for osteoporosis and otosclerosis. and numerous
other drugs that contain fluoride can contribute to fluoride
toxicity over time.
Person with calcium deficiency or malnourished
individuals appear to be more prone to develop dental
and skeletal fluorosis.

Fluoridated toothpastes

Fluoridated beverages.
Fluoride-rich foods such as tea, ocean fish, gelatin, skin of
chicken, fluoridated salt, food contaminated with post-
harvest fumigants (e.g. sulfuryl fluoride) and pesticides
(e.g. sodium aluminium fluoride, Na3AlF6, which may be
used on grapes).

Dental fluorosis can only occur if the fluoride exposure is

during the first years of life while the teeth are forming.
MANAGEMENT:

Dental fluorosis is irreversible and no treatment exists, the

only remedy is prevention by keeping fluoride intake with
in safe limits.
Dental fluorosis treatment:

Tooth whitening for mild fluorosis cases (but should be

avoided because it is cost effective)
composite bonding
Porcelain veneers
PREVENTION:

Fluorosis can be prevented by avoiding excessive intake of

fluoride by individuals / community. Excessive fluoride
intake and its adverse effects can be minimized or
prevented by adapting following measures:

by using alternative water sources,

by removing excessive fluoride from drinking water,
by improving the nutritional status of
population/individuals at risk.
THANKYOU