Fluorosis: A New Model and New Insights

Abstract

Fluoride is an effective agent for the prevention of dental caries. However, the mechanism of how excessive fluoride exposure causes fluorosis remains uncertain. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) exhibit periodic tooth replacement throughout their lives, thereby providing continuous access to teeth at developmental stages susceptible to fluoride exposure. Zebrafish teeth do not contain true enamel, but consist of a hard enameloid surface. Therefore, we asked whether zebrafish could be used as a model organism for the study of dental fluorosis. Scanning electron microscopy of fluoride-treated teeth demonstrated that the enameloid was pitted and rough, and FTIR analysis demonstrated that the teeth also contained a significantly higher organic content when compared with untreated controls. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that decreased expression of an important signaling molecule (Alk8) in tooth development may contribute to the observed fluorotic phenotype, and that increased cell apoptosis may also play a role in the mechanism of fluorosis.

Chronic Exposure to Bisphenol A Exacerbates Dental Fluorosis in Growing Rats

“…(17,18,19) Fluoride is naturally widely present in various regions of the world and is the most commonly used molecule in dentistry to prevent caries. This highly charged ion has intra-and extracellular effects that reinforce mineralization.…”

The effects of sodium fluoride on oral normal cell cultured in vitro

“…서론1 6) 치아우식증(dental caries)은 구강 내에서 발생하는 질환 으로 치주질환과 함께 대표적인 만성 구강병으로 알려져 있 다 [1]. 치아우식증은 구강 내의 세균이 단당류를 대사하여…”

Comparative Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Biomineralization of Tooth Development in Man and Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…The root is attached to the underlying branchial bone by a specialized bone of attachment. These pharyngeal teeth are continuously replaced within 11-13 days during the whole lifespan, which makes the zebrafish a model organism to study tooth development and biomineralization of enamel and dentin Huysseune and Sire, 2004;Huysseune and Thesleff, 2004;Bartlett et al, 2005). Tooth eruption and ankylosis of the pharyngeal teeth is completed before completion of dentin mineralization ( Van der heyden et al, 2000).…”