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.
That’s the maximum amount allowed in public-serving water systems to protect against fluorosis, the EPA says. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 May 2025 Ingesting fluoride at concentrations higher than what’s recommended in the U.S., can lead to what’s known as dental fluorosis, which changes how teeth look, causing white flecks, spots, lines or brown stains on the teeth. Maria Briceño, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2025 Excessive amounts of fluoride can cause white or sometimes brown marks on teeth called fluorosis. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 30 May 2025 Skeletal fluorosis is a serious condition that causes bone weakness and stiffness and pain in joints. Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 15 May 2025 Your dentist may advise minimizing other fluoride sources to reduce risk of fluorosis. Matt Fuchs, Time, 14 May 2025 The agency also mandates fluoride levels below 4.0 mg/L because of the risk of skeletal fluorosis, in which chronic, high levels of fluoride exposure can cause developing bones to grow weaker. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025 Excessive systemic exposure to fluorides can also lead to skeletal fluorosis, which causes pain, stiffness and bone deformities, or dental/enamel fluorosis, which causes tooth discoloration. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 Others say excessive fluoride intake could cause dental fluorosis, a cosmetic disorder where the teeth become mottled. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluorosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorosis. Accessed 25 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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