THE DISTRIBUTION OF FLUORIDE IN HUMAN ENAMEL

¹ Eastman Dental Dispensary and University of Rochester Atomic Energy Project, Rochester, N. Y.

1. The distribution of fluoride has been studied in successive layers from the surface inward in the enamel of deciduous teeth, and of permanent unerupted and erupted teeth of different age, and of teeth with mottled enamel.

2. In all these teeth a high concentration of fluoride was found in the outermost layer of the enamel and a low level was found in the bulk of the enamel.

3. The findings suggest that small amounts of fluoride are laid down in the enamel during formation, and that only the outermost enamel picks up fluoride once calcification has been completed.

4. Appreciable amounts of fluoride accumulate in the outer enamel of unerupted teeth. There also appears to be a posteruptive pickup. The outermost crystal layers of enamel may reach fluoride concentrations as great as 1 per cent.

5. Deciduous teeth contain less fluoride in the outer enamel than permanent teeth.

6. Mottled enamel contains higher concentrations of fluoride than that of normal teeth at any distance from the enamel surface.

7. The caries-reducing effect of fluoride is believed to be due to the high concentration of fluoride in the surface enamel. Little protection is believed to be afforded by the low concentrations which were found in the bulk of the enamel.

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