Question

The excess presence of which of the following causes the teeth of children mottled and discoloured.
A) Hardness
B) Calcium
C) Salt
D) Fluoride

Answer 1

Hint: Drinking water is typically the most significant source. There are so many substances or compounds naturally found in drinking water. One of these causes the dental enamel effects. Our toothpastes also contain this substance.

Complete step by step answer:
Nowadays, tooth decay is one of the most common health problems among children. Water contains an excess amount of fluoride naturally and also many public drinking water sources or industries add fluoride in drinking water. Ingestion of excess fluoride can cause fluorosis which affects the teeth and bones. Fluorosis is a condition that changes the appearance of tooth enamel in young children and it is a result of being exposed to too much fluoride. Thus, excess presence of fluoride causes physical damage to the teeths. During moderate amounts of fluorosis, all the surfaces of teeth get mottled and teeth may be ground down and brown stains are visible on the teeth.
Children can develop fluorosis any time during the years when their teeths are beginning to form. Excess fluoride can be consumed through regular toothpastes, drinking water and fortified foods. Fluorosis is a painless disease. Signs of severe fluorosis include:
- Brown spots on tooth enamel
- Pitting of the tooth enamel
- Permanent damage to the teeth of children

Fluoride in toothpaste and mouth rinse is in a very concentrated amount. Over time, swallowing of toothpaste or mouth rinse can cause fluorosis in children.
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: Moderate amount of fluoride leads to dental effects but long –term ingestion in large amounts can lead to potentially severe skeletal problems. An interesting fact to know is that low levels of fluoride intake helps to prevent dental problems. That’s why, fluoride is essentially added in toothpaste and in drinking water by many public drinking water sources.