What concentration of fluoride is associated with a minimum degree of fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a dental condition that results from excessive consumption of fluoride during the early years of tooth development. The concentration of fluoride that is often associated with a minimum degree of fluorosis is around 1 ppm (parts per million). At this level, the benefits of fluoride for preventing dental caries are still realized while the risk of developing noticeable dental fluorosis remains relatively low.

Fluoride concentrations higher than 1 ppm increase the likelihood of fluorosis. When levels reach 2 ppm or higher, the risk of more severe manifestations of fluorosis becomes significant. Understanding this balance is crucial for water treatment operators, as they must optimize fluoride levels to promote dental health without causing adverse effects.

Consequently, maintaining fluoride concentrations at or near 1 ppm is often recommended in community water fluoridation programs to minimize the risk of fluorosis while still providing protective dental benefits.