RESUMO
Dental Fluorosis which is endemic in nature is considered to be a serious problem in nearly 15 states of India.1 It is defined as hypo-mineralization of enamel resulting from excessive ingestion of fluoride (more than 1 ppm) during tooth development. Excessive fluoride basically disturbs mineralization in the developing tooth by decreasing free calcium ion concentrations in the mineralizing matrix. In turn, it indirectly interferes with the proteinases which degrade matrix proteins during the maturation phase of amelogenesis,2 resulting in delayed enzymatic degradation of enamel matrix proteins.3The fluoride-induced retention of enamel matrix proteins is responsible for impaired and incomplete crystal growth resulting in the increased porosity of enamel, and the subsequent optical and physical changes.4