Fluoride reaction products occurring on the surface of tooth enamel
1996 Volume 59 Issue 2 Pages 169-178
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1996 Volume 59 Issue 2 Pages 169-178
We investigated fluoride reaction products occurring on the surface of tooth enamel by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA). The surface of human dental enamel was polished by standard methods and then treated with an acid phosphate fluoride solution (APF; 9,000 ppm F, pH 3.4) for 4 min at room temperature. After fluoride treatment, the surface was washed with 1M KOH for 3 or 24 h.
AFM images indicated a large amount of globular material on the surface of the APF-treated enamel. After KOH wash for 24 h, this material was eliminated from the surface. Elimination of this material permitted detection of apatite crystals on the surface.
The F/Ca and Ca/P ratios during ESCA analysis indicated the presence of calcium fluoride containing phosphate on the surface of APF-treated enamel. However, after 24 h of KOH wash, these ratios were altered, indicating the presence of fluorapatite.
These results indicate that the materials produced by APF treatment were calcium fluoride containing phosphate. After the materials were dissolved with KOH wash, florapatite might have formed on the enamel surface. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 1996 Jun; 59(2): 169-178.
