Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Fluoride is essential in dental health, primarily because it helps in the prevention of dental caries by strengthening tooth enamel. However, when fluoride levels exceed the recommended limits, it can lead to dental fluorosis, which is the correct answer. Dental fluorosis occurs during the development of teeth, particularly in children, and is characterized by the mottling, discoloration, or in severe cases, structural damage to the enamel.

This condition is a direct result of excessive fluoride exposure during the years when teeth are still forming. It highlights the importance of monitoring fluoride levels in community water systems to prevent this condition, while still ensuring that the anti-caries benefits of fluoride are maintained at safe levels.

Other potential issues associated with fluorosis, such as enamel hypoplasia, relate to insufficient development rather than excess fluoride, and gingival hyperplasia is related to other factors, such as medications or conditions, rather than fluoride exposure. Dental caries would be less likely to occur in instances of excessive fluoride, as fluoride is primarily associated with caries prevention.