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.
The other side: But concerns over water fluoridation have included fluorosis, when growing teeth are exposed to too much fluoride and develop white flecks or spots, and reduced IQ in children. Kale Williams, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024 The agency set this recommendation based on the need for cavity prevention balanced against the risk of fluorosis, when excess fluoride exposure in young children affects the outer appearance of teeth, manifesting as white flecks, spots or lines. Joseph Choi, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Too much fluoride could also cause a bone disease called skeletal fluorosis. Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 16 Nov. 2024 Currently, to prevent skeletal fluorosis, the EPA requires that water systems not exceed 4 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water. Samantha Putterman, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Nov. 2024 Skeletal fluorosis is a potentially crippling disorder which causes weaker bones, stiffness and pain. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2024 However, because most powdered infant formulas also contain fluoride, your baby may have a higher risk of developing fluorosis in their developing teeth. Jennifer White, Parents, 1 July 2024 Exposure to fluoride above the public health recommended amount over many years can result in skeletal fluorosis, a condition that is rare in the US and that causes weaker bones and joint pain. Nadia Kounang, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024 Advertisement Officials lowered their recommendation for drinking water fluoride levels in 2015 to address a tooth condition called fluorosis, which can cause splotches on teeth and was becoming more common in U.S. kids. Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near fluorosis

Cite this Entry

“Fluorosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorosis. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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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