Electron Microscope Study of the Mechanism of Fluorine Deposition in Teeth

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Abstract
The electron microscope, using the polystyrene-silica replica technique, has been found to be useful in studying both the fundamental histology and pathology of tooth structures. Electron micrographs show a difference in the acid-etched microstructure of normal enamel and dentin as compared to fluorosed (by systemic ingestion) enamel and dentin. This difference is believed to be due to the deposition of fluorine as acid resistant Ca-fluor-apatite throughout the hydroxy and carbonate apatites. Such fluor-apatite deposition takes place only during the period of calcification of the tooth structure. Electron and X-ray diffraction with electron microscopy have indicated that fluorine entering a tooth following the completion of calcification (during topical application of soluble fluorides) is deposited as acid resistant CaF2. A possible explanation of the fluorine-dental caries relationship may be found in the concentrating of both acid resistant fluorides and fluoride ions at the point of dissolution of tooth enamel by the acid-forming bacteria. Such fluoride ions may eventually reach a sufficient concn. at the point of attack to inhibit acid formation and bacterial growth, resulting in caries inactivity.