fluorosis

noun

fluo·​ro·​sis flu̇-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce fluorosis (audio)
flȯ-
: an abnormal condition (such as mottling of the teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds
fluorotic adjective

Examples of fluorosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Others say excessive fluoride intake could cause dental fluorosis, a cosmetic disorder where the teeth become mottled. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2025 Studies show that too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, a condition commonly associated with tooth staining and sometimes associated, in severe cases, with tooth damage. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024 Skeletal fluorosis is a rare but serious condition that causes joint pain and stiffness and bone weakness. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024 Officials lowered their recommendation for fluoride levels in drinking water in 2015 to address a tooth condition called fluorosis, which can cause splotches on teeth and was becoming more common in U.S. kids. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025 Chronic over-consumption of fluoride is also associated with skeletal fluorosis, in which fluoride accumulation weakens the bones. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024 The authors also noted that adding fluoride to drinking water may increase the number of people with dental fluorosis, a mostly cosmetic condition that can leave the teeth with white flecks, spots, or lines. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 Dental fluorosis — a condition that occurs when teeth get too much fluoride and appear to be stained — was also used to assess exposure. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025 Public water supplies are carefully regulated, with fluoride levels set at 0.7 mg/L to prevent cavities while minimizing the risk of fluorosis or other health issues. Maria Sokolina, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluorosis was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Fluorosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorosis. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

fluorosis

noun
flu·​o·​ro·​sis ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈō-səs How to pronounce fluorosis (audio)
: an abnormal condition (as mottled enamel of human teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds
fluorotic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fluorosis

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