The Solubility of Normal and Fluoridized Enamel

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Abstract
Topical appln. of a NaF soln. to the tooth surface imparts a resistance to dental caries to the tooth. The effects may be due to a decreased solubility of the tooth toward acids or to an interference with the enzyme systems responsible for the production of acids. The present study is an attempt to show how much protection the tooth may gain on the basis of decreased solubility. Fluoridized enamel would decalcify at pH 4.7 at the same rate as that of normal enamel at pH 5.2. Insofar as the tooth surface of mildly carious active individuals seldom reaches an acid potential of pH 4.7 it is suggested that this degree of protection is sufficient to explain the clinical results that have been observed. It also suggests that individuals suffering from rampant caries would derive little benefit from fluoride treatment.

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