What are the two adverse effects of higher fluoride concentrations in drinking water?

Higher concentrations of fluoride in drinking water can lead to two primary adverse effects: staining and deforming. Staining refers to the discoloration of teeth, often manifesting as white spots or brownish marks caused by excessive fluoride exposure during the developmental stages of tooth enamel. This condition is known as dental fluorosis. It arises when too much fluoride is ingested, particularly in children whose teeth are still forming.

Deforming relates to the structural changes that can occur in teeth and bones due to high fluoride levels. In extreme cases, excessive fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis, where bones become denser but also more brittle, potentially resulting in pain and deformities.

Understanding these effects is crucial for maintaining safe fluoride levels in drinking water, ensuring that the benefits of fluoride in dental health are realized without causing harm. Other options either misrepresent the effects or mention associations that are not supported by evidence regarding fluoride exposure.