Fluorosis

Upgradation of the amount of fluoride in water to the optimum level is called fluoridation.

In countries where the fluoride level is low, it is a method used to bring the fluoride level back to the optimum. Presence of optimum level of fluoride in water is known to prevent dental decay.

When the level of fluoride is naturally beyond the optimum, as in some regional belts in our country, the process of downgrading the fluoride levels is called defluoridation,

A condition where the tooth surface gets mottled and cloudy white patches appear due to consumption of water high in fluoride is called fluorosis.

The condition is not reversible. However, for the front teeth, to improve the appearance of the front teeth which get severely affected, veneers may be placed.