How is dental fluorosis caused?

Dental fluorosis is primarily caused by excessive fluoride levels in drinking water during the critical periods of tooth development, particularly in early childhood. When children consume fluoride at levels higher than recommended, it can lead to changes in the appearance and structure of their developing enamel. The condition manifests as white spots, mottling, or brown stains on the teeth, reflecting the severity of the excess fluoride exposure.

Understanding this process is important in public health since it underscores the need for proper regulation of fluoride levels in community water supplies and awareness regarding fluoride use in dental products. Fluorosis occurs because while fluoride can be beneficial in preventing tooth decay, too much fluoride during enamel formation can disrupt the normal mineralization process, leading to the aesthetic and structural changes associated with fluorosis.

The other options do not contribute to dental fluorosis. Chlorine gas exposure is unrelated to fluoride effects on teeth, poor dental hygiene more commonly leads to cavities rather than enamel discoloration, and dietary calcium deficiency is linked to other dental issues but not fluorosis.