A Potential Model for the Interaction of Enamel Fluoride and Plaque in the Development of Dental Caries

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Abstract
A model relating caries to surface enamel fluoride and plaque has been derived by exploratory data analyses. Since the model was obtained a posteriori, it is best viewed in qualitative terms as a hypothesis for future testing. The model prompts a re-evaluation of expectations relative to the effects of surface enamel apatitic fluoride, and a consideration that the effectiveness of a given measure of fluoride may vary as a function of inherent challenge. Thus, further studies are needed, aimed at quantifying the parameters of resistance and challenge, and characterizing the relationship between them.