Influence of post-developmental cadmium on caries and cariostasis by fluoride.

Uptake of cadmium into molar enamel and dentin from rats receiving cadmium in their drinking water was markedly elevated and proportional to the amount of cadmium in the drinking water. Post-developmental cadmium did not influence caries development or alter the cariostatic effectiveness of fluoridated drinking water. The data indicate that the absolute concentration of cadmium in teeth is not predictive or cadmium-induced caries and that the critical period for caries promotion by cadmium may be during the developmental rather than the post-developmental period of tooth formation.