In vitro caries-like lesion formation in F-containing tooth enamel.

In vitro caries-like lesion formation in F-containing tooth enamel (shark) showed a lower depth of penetration compared to that in human enamel (42 vs. 100%). After longer periods of exposure, the depth of penetration in shark enamel is only 33% relative to that in human enamel. The extent of dissolution in acetate buffer for powdered human enamel and for synthetic F-free calcium-carbonated-apatites was greater than for powdered shark enamel and for synthetic F-containing apatites. These results suggest that the cariostatic action of fluoride may be explained in terms of a combination of two effects: (a) the stabilizing effect against acid dissolution (caries) when fluoride is incorporated in the tooth mineral (apatite), and (b) a greater degree of remineralization (repair) in the presence of F solution.