(Mottling)
Brown discolouration of teeth
Cause
- Occurs due to long term excess of fluoride. Endemic in areas of high fluoride water content occurring naturally in the water
Clinical features
- Varies from white opacities to severe pitting and discolouration due to incorporation of the excess fluoride
in the enamel structure
MANAGEMENT
- Tooth coloured (composite) fillings, veneers
Prevention
- Monitoring of fluoride levels in drinking water
- Use of fluoride-free toothpastes in endemic areas