What is the primary color characteristic of enamel affected by dental fluorosis?

The primary color characteristic of enamel affected by dental fluorosis is mottled. Dental fluorosis occurs when excessive fluoride is ingested during the early years of tooth development, often leading to changes in the appearance of enamel. This condition typically results in a variable or mottled coloration of the enamel, ranging from white spots to brown discoloration or a combination of both. The mottled appearance is a significant indicator of dental fluorosis and reflects the extent and severity of the condition.

In contrast, bright white may indicate benign enamel alterations or be seen in cases of milder forms of hypoplasia, but it does not fully capture the variability seen in fluorosis. Brown discoloration can occur in severe cases but does not define fluorosis itself, as not all fluorosis is brown. Gray is another potential discoloration associated with different dental conditions but is not a primary hallmark of fluorosis. Therefore, mottled is the most accurate characterization of enamel affected by dental fluorosis.