Abstract
Dissolution tests were conducted with human enamel following treatment with aqueous aluminum (Al) solutions under conditions of varying pH, concentration, and treatment time. Al reduced enamel dissolution in a pH 4 acetate buffer most effectively when used in the pH range of 3 to 4, at concentrations above 0.005 mollL, and for treatment times of more than four minutes. However, significant activity was observed with concentrations as low as 0.0005 mol/L Al and treatment times as short as 15 seconds. The effects of Al solution pH and concentration on enamel dissolution were related to the hydrolysis of Al above pH 4 and to the accelerated dissolution of apatite below pH 3.