1. a condition caused by excessive fluorine intake, especially during tooth development, characterized by white spots or streaks on the teeth
Usage: medical term; most commonly refers to dental fluorosis
2. a disease affecting bones and joints caused by chronic exposure to high levels of fluorine in the environment or workplace
Usage: occupational or environmental health context; also called skeletal fluorosis

Examples

• Dental fluorosis can develop when children consume too much fluoride while their teeth are forming.
• The white spots on her teeth were a mild case of fluorosis from drinking fluoridated water as a child.
• Workers in phosphate fertilizer plants are at risk of developing skeletal fluorosis from prolonged fluorine exposure.
• Fluorosis is preventable by controlling fluoride intake during early childhood.
• The dentist explained that the discoloration was consistent with fluorosis rather than decay.
• In areas with naturally high fluoride levels in water, fluorosis is more common among residents.