Which oral health issue is more likely to occur during the age of 15-30 months?

Fluorosis is indeed more likely to occur during the age of 15-30 months, primarily due to the developmental stage of teeth during this period. During these months, children are usually in the teething phase, and their primary teeth are developing. If excessive fluoride is ingested while these teeth are forming, it can lead to dental fluorosis, which causes changes in the appearance of the enamel, such as white spots or streaks.

The age range of 15-30 months is critical since children at this stage are often beginning to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste and may also be exposed to fluoride from other sources like drinking water or supplements. This makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of excess fluoride intake. Understanding this helps dental hygienists and caregivers monitor fluoride exposure and ensure that it remains within appropriate limits to prevent fluorosis while still offering the protective benefits of fluoride against dental caries.

Other oral health issues like dental caries typically emerge later as children’s diets become more varied and sugary foods are introduced, while gingivitis and periodontitis are more associated with older children and adolescents when they start experiencing more plaque accumulation and changes in oral hygiene habits.