Question

Excess of which element can lead to tooth problems (mottling/fluorosis)?

• A. Zinc
• B. Iron
• C. Fluorine
• D. Copper

Hint:

Too much fluoride in drinking water disturbs enamel formation and causes dental fluorosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the condition being described.
Mottling of teeth, also called dental fluorosis, shows up as white or brown patches on the enamel along with pitting in severe cases. This happens when a child's teeth are developing and are exposed to too much of a certain element through drinking water.

Step 2: Identify the element involved.
The element is fluorine, taken in as fluoride from water or other sources. A small amount of fluoride is good for teeth since it strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay, but a large excess of fluoride disturbs the way enamel forms, leading to dental fluorosis. In severe long term cases, it can also affect the bones, a condition called skeletal fluorosis.

Step 3: Check why the other elements are wrong.
Excess zinc (option A) can cause stomach upset and interfere with copper absorption, but it is not linked to tooth mottling. Excess iron (option B) mainly causes organ damage, such as liver problems, and is not connected to dental fluorosis. Excess copper (option D) can affect the liver and nervous system, as seen in Wilson's disease, but again this has no direct link to teeth mottling.

Step 4: Final Answer.
Excess fluorine (fluoride) in drinking water leads to tooth mottling, known as dental fluorosis. \[ \boxed{\text{Fluorine}} \]