National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

When exposed to high levels of fluoride, which dental condition can develop?

1. Dental caries

2. Fluorosis

3. Gingivitis

4. Periodontitis

The correct answer is: Fluorosis

Fluorosis is a condition that arises from excessive exposure to fluoride during the early years of tooth development, particularly when the teeth are still forming. It manifests as changes in the appearance of the enamel, usually presenting as white spots, streaks, or in more severe cases, brown discoloration and pitting of the enamel. This occurs because fluoride integrates into the developing enamel and alters its structure, leading to lower resistance to acids and less effective remineralization. In contrast, dental caries is a result of demineralization of tooth structure due to acids generated by bacterial plaque, while gingivitis and periodontitis are inflammatory conditions related to the gums and periodontal tissues, respectively, not connected to fluoride exposure. Fluorosis specifically highlights the issues with excessive fluoride, making it the correct choice in this context.