Kinetics of the Dissolution of Human Dental Enamel in Acid

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Abstract
The rate of human enamel dissolution was measured for a pH range of 4.0-6.0 and for buffer concentrations ranging from zero to 0.6 N. The solubility rate is increased slightly by increasing temperature; and it is increased markedly by increasing agitation, H+ concentration or buffer concentration. Values calculated from an equation derived for the initial dissolution rate as a function of H+ concentration, buffer concentration and buffer dissociation strength agree with experimental values. The initial rate is decreased by the presence in solution of the reaction products[long dash]Ca and phosphate ions, of all cations and of fluoride ion. A mechanism for this retarding action is proposed involving the formation of a coating on the enamel surface from the reaction products reprecipitating or precipitating with added or foreign ions.