Topical fluoride as a cause of dental fluorosis in children.

Background: For many years, topical use of fluorides has gained greater popularity than systemic use of fluorides. A possible adverse effect associated with the use of topical fluoride is the development of dental fluorosis due to the ingestion of excessive fluoride by young children with developing teeth.

Objectives: To describe the relationship between the use of topical fluorides in young children and the risk of developing dental fluorosis.