DIGITAL FLUORESCENCE–GUIDED MULTIMODAL APPROACH TO EARLY DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN CHILDREN

Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of enamel mineralization associated with excessive systemic fluoride exposure during tooth formation. Mild forms in children may present as subtle diffuse white striations or opacities and can be difficult to differentiate clinically from early carious lesions and other developmental enamel defects. Conventional visual examination remains essential, but its diagnostic accuracy may be influenced by illumination, tooth hydration, surface cleanliness, and examiner experience. Digital fluorescence technologies, particularly quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), provide opportunities for more objective detection, quantitative documentation, and longitudinal monitoring of early enamel alterations.