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Dental tissue effects of fluoride
O Fejerskov1, M J Larsen, A Richards
1Department of Oral Anatomy, Dental Pathology and Operative Dentistry, Royal Dental College, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Advances in Dental Research
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Dental fluorosis, a condition caused by fluoride, shows a linear dose-response relationship with enamel changes. This condition is a reliable indicator of past fluoride exposure, allowing for caries reduction without fluorosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Biomineralization
- Toxicology
Background:
- A well-established linear relationship exists between fluoride dose and enamel fluorosis severity in human populations.
- Fluorosis leads to increased enamel porosity (hypomineralization) and affects dentin incremental lines.
- Severe fluorosis results in mechanical breakdown of tooth surfaces post-eruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify the continuum of fluoride-induced enamel changes using the TF index.
- To investigate the effects of fluoride exposure during different tooth development stages.
- To clarify the role of fluoride in enamel maturation and caries prevention.
Main Methods:
- Classification of fluoride-induced enamel changes using the TF index.
- Review of human and animal studies on fluoride exposure during enamel maturation.
- Analysis of fluoride incorporation into enamel and potential calcium-fluoride compound formation.
Main Results:
- Dental fluorosis is reliably induced by fluoride exposure during enamel maturation.
- The TF index effectively classifies histopathological features and enamel fluoride concentrations.
- Post-eruptive fluoride uptake in sound enamel likely indicates subclinical caries.
Conclusions:
- Dental fluorosis serves as a sensitive biomarker for past fluoride exposure.
- No other known agent or condition mimics fluoride-induced dental changes in humans.
- Caries reduction is achievable with fluoride without a significant risk of dental fluorosis, as cariostatic effects are not solely due to developmental uptake.