Question

A dental disease characterised by mottling of teeth is due to presence of a certain chemical element in drinking water. Which is that element?

• A. Boron
• B. Chlorine
• C. Mercury
• D. Fluorine

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Ingestion of excess fluoride, most commonly in drinking-water, can cause fluorosis which affects the teeth and bones. Moderate amounts lead to dental effects, but long-term ingestion of large amounts can lead to potentially severe skeletal problems.

Exposure to excessive consumption of fluoride over a lifetime may lead to increased likelihood of bone fractures in adults, and may result in effects on bone leading to pain and tenderness. Children aged 8 years and younger exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride have an increased chance of developing pits in the tooth enamel, along with a range of cosmetic effects to teeth.