Journal of Dental Research, Vol 62, 138-144, Copyright © 1983 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
In vitro caries-like lesion formation in F-containing tooth enamel
R. Z. LeGeros, L. M. Silverstone, G. Daculsi and L. M. Kerebel
In vitro caries-like lesion formation in F-containing tooth enamel (shark)
showed a lower depth of penetration compared to that in human enamel (42
vs. 100%). After longer periods of exposure, the depth of penetration in
shark enamel is only 33% relative to that in human enamel. The extent of
dissolution in acetate buffer for powdered human enamel and for synthetic
F-free calcium-carbonated-apatites was greater than for powdered shark
enamel and for synthetic F-containing apatites. These results suggest that
the cariostatic action of fluoride may be explained in terms of a
combination of two effects: (a) the stabilizing effect against acid
dissolution (caries) when fluoride is incorporated in the tooth mineral
(apatite), and (b) a greater degree of remineralization (repair) in the
presence of F solution.
