Additional Studies on Fluoride Uptake by Enamel from Certain Dental Materials

¹ Department of Dental Materials, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana

The fluorine uptake by intact enamel surfaces from certain dental materials has been studied. These data were correlated with those found in a previous investigation using powdered enamel, as well as with studies on enamel solubility as it is affected by various materials. The results were as follows: Most of the materials tested produced a measurable change in the fluorine content of intact enamel. Generally, the data from powdered enamel and intact enamel were in agreement. Copalite had no effect on the fluorine uptake from resins or from a zinc oxide containing 2 per cent sodium fluoride, but the [see figure in the PDF file] varnish did reduce the effectiveness of the other fluoride-containing materials. A definite relationship was found between fluoride change and acid solubility of intact enamel.