The Influence of Some Surface-Active Substances on Decalcification of the Enamel Surface

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Abstract
The possible action of any substance in protecting wet tooth surfaces against attack by acid in vitro can be evaluated by comparison of the rate of dissolution of Ca under standard conditions in the presence and absence of the substance. Common oily and fatty materials have negligible protective value against the acid concns. studied. Solutions of long-chain paraffin amines, such as cetylamine, in paraffin oil displace saliva from the enamel surface and form a stable oily film which can reduce decalcification at pH 4 by as much as 50% over a period of 20 hrs. For a 2-hr. period the degree of protection is 70-80% . The application of an oily soln. of a long-chain aliphatic amine to the teeth may be of clinical value in the prevention of dental caries, since the initial lesion is generally regarded as a decalcification of the enamel surface.
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