Fluorosis and the parathyroid glands

Abstract

There is a close similarity between the dental changes produced experimentally in the rat by parathyroidectomy and mottled teeth as seen in man and known to be caused by protracted ingestion of toxic amounts of fluorine. In view of the fact that both parathyroidectomy and fluorine produce dystrophies in tissues regulated by the parathyroid glands it is concluded that, in man, mottled teeth, certain dermatoses, mottled nails and alopecia may be due to a disturbance of these glands brought about by the ingestion of toxic amounts of fluorine in drinking water.