fluorosis
noun
fluo·ro·sis
flu̇-ˈrō-səs 
flȯ-
: an abnormal condition (such as mottling of the teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds
Examples of fluorosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Too much can lead to fluorosis, a condition that leaves white or brown spots on the teeth.
—
Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 July 2025
Health care professionals, including dental teams, work with families to evaluate all sources of fluoride exposure and ensure the proper balance to prevent cavities without increasing the risk of fluorosis.
—Celeste Ziara, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025
In the new modeling study, researchers found that only about 1.5% of US children in 2016 had exposure to this excess level of fluoride – considered to be above 1.5 milligrams per liter – that posed risk for fluorosis, a condition that leaves streaks or spots on teeth, or other harms.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
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
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.
Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 July 2025
Health care professionals, including dental teams, work with families to evaluate all sources of fluoride exposure and ensure the proper balance to prevent cavities without increasing the risk of fluorosis.
—Celeste Ziara, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025
In the new modeling study, researchers found that only about 1.5% of US children in 2016 had exposure to this excess level of fluoride – considered to be above 1.5 milligrams per liter – that posed risk for fluorosis, a condition that leaves streaks or spots on teeth, or other harms.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Fluorosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorosis. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fluorosis
noun
flu·o·ro·sis
ˌflu̇(-ə)r-ˈō-səs
: an abnormal condition (as mottled enamel of human teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share