Biomaterial Database

[Possible limitations in the caries preventive effect of fluorides?]. 1991

B Ogaard

Klinikk for Kjeoveortopedi, Universitetet i Oslo.

The cariostatic effect of fluoride at different levels of pH in the plaque fluid is discussed. At the pH level 5.5 to 4.5 the plaque fluid is undersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite and supersaturated with respect to fluorapatite (3). The hydroxyapatite of the enamel then dissolves. With fluoride present in the liquid phase a fluoridated apatite is precipitated in the surface zone of the lesion. In acidic, old plaque the plaque fluid is very likely undersaturated also with respect to fluorapatite (pH less than 4.5) (11). When the liquid phase is undersaturated with respect to fluorapatite no redeposition of mineral lost can occur. In due time an erosion will develop. It is speculated that one reason for the minor effect of fluoride in some caries active patients and in fissures as well is that the plaque fluid is undersaturated with respect to fluorapatite for extended periods.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D003731	Dental Caries	Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.	Caries, Dental,Carious Lesions,Dental Cavities,Dental Cavity,Dental Decay,Dental White Spots,Carious Dentin,Decay, Dental,Dental White Spot,White Spot, Dental,White Spots, Dental,Carious Dentins,Carious Lesion,Cavities, Dental,Cavity, Dental,Dentin, Carious,Dentins, Carious,Lesion, Carious,Lesions, Carious,Spot, Dental White,Spots, Dental White
D003743	Dental Enamel	A hard thin translucent layer of calcified substance which envelops and protects the dentin of the crown of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the body and is almost entirely composed of calcium salts. Under the microscope, it is composed of thin rods (enamel prisms) held together by cementing substance, and surrounded by an enamel sheath. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p286)	Enamel,Enamel Cuticle,Dental Enamels,Enamel, Dental,Enamels, Dental,Cuticle, Enamel,Cuticles, Enamel,Enamel Cuticles,Enamels
D003747	Dental Enamel Solubility	The susceptibility of the DENTAL ENAMEL to dissolution.	Enamel Solubility, Dental,Solubility, Dental Enamel
D003773	Dental Plaque	A film that attaches to teeth, often causing DENTAL CARIES and GINGIVITIS. It is composed of MUCINS, secreted from salivary glands, and microorganisms.	Plaque, Dental
D005459	Fluorides	Inorganic salts of hydrofluoric acid, HF, in which the fluorine atom is in the -1 oxidation state. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Sodium and stannous salts are commonly used in dentifrices.	Fluoride
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006863	Hydrogen-Ion Concentration	The normality of a solution with respect to HYDROGEN ions; H+. It is related to acidity measurements in most cases by pH	pH,Concentration, Hydrogen-Ion,Concentrations, Hydrogen-Ion,Hydrogen Ion Concentration,Hydrogen-Ion Concentrations
D006882	Hydroxyapatites	A group of compounds with the general formula M10(PO4)6(OH)2, where M is barium, strontium, or calcium. The compounds are the principal mineral in phosphorite deposits, biological tissue, human bones, and teeth. They are also used as an anticaking agent and polymer catalysts. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed)	Hydroxyapatite Derivatives,Derivatives, Hydroxyapatite
D001031	Apatites	A group of phosphate minerals that includes ten mineral species and has the general formula X5(YO4)3Z, where X is usually calcium or lead, Y is phosphorus or arsenic, and Z is chlorine, fluorine, or OH-. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)	Apatite
D017886	Durapatite	The mineral component of bones and teeth; it has been used therapeutically as a prosthetic aid and in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.	Calcium Hydroxyapatite,Hydroxyapatite,Hydroxylapatite,Alveograf,Calcitite,Interpore-200,Interpore-500,Osprovit,Ossein-Hydroxyapatite Compound,Ossopan,Osteogen,Periograf,Hydroxyapatite, Calcium,Interpore 200,Interpore 500,Interpore200,Interpore500,Ossein Hydroxyapatite Compound