INTRAVITAL UPTAKE OF FLUORIDES BY THE TEETH UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS

¹ Stomatological Clinic and from the Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry of the University, Debrecen, Hungary

Fluorine uptake, by noncarious teeth, was estimated under different conditions. Bilateral pairs of teeth show practically equal uptake under identical conditions. Prophylaxis prior to fluoride treatment increased the uptake considerably. From 20 ml. of a solution containing 200 gamma F there is no increased uptake in comparison to 10 ml. of the same solution. Increasing the concentration to 200 gamma in 10 ml. from 100 gamma in 10 ml. causes no increased uptake. Longer exposure results in an increased uptake. Within the first 15 minutes the greatest quantity of F is taken up but uptake is reduced after the elapse of 15 minutes. Acidulated NaF solutions lose more F than neutral ones but this in no way proves that the loss is due to fluorine uptake by the enamel and not to precipitation of calcium fluoride. Individuals over 20 years of age show a considerably lessened uptake in comparison to those below 18 years. There is no distinct connection between caries experience and fluoride uptake.