Fluoride ions play a critical role in preventing tooth decay. We investigated the microscopic effects of fluoride ions on hydroxyapatite (100) surface dissolution using in situ atomic force microscopy. In the presence of 10 mM NaF, individual surface step retraction velocities decreased by about a factor of 5 as compared to NaF-free conditions. Importantly, elongated hexagonal etch pits, which ...

After seventy years of controversial discussion, the reports by Dean et al. that purported to demonstrate an inverse relationship between the prevalence of tooth decay in children and the fluoride content of drinking water are still cited as strong evidence for a significant anti-caries effect of fluoride, despite their many shortcomings. In addition, major hypotheses for possible cariostatic m...

BACKGROUND Large increases in salivary fluoride were reported 1 h after a calcium pre-rinse/NaF rinse. AIMS This study examined the persistence of these increases. METHODS 12 subjects rinsed in the evening with water, with a 228 microg/g (ppm) F rinse or with 150 mmol/l calcium lactate followed by a 228 microg/g F rinse. In a second experiment these same patients rinsed with a 912 microg/g ...

PURPOSE The objective of this project was to develop an in vitro model system for investigations of dentinal caries. METHODS Five extracted primary molar teeth with circular cavity preparations to the depth of the dentinoenamel junction were mounted individually in cold-cure acrylic bases constructed to fit a positioning jig in a Schick-Technologies digital radiographic imaging apparatus. The...

After seventy years of controversial discussion, the reports by Dean et al. that purported to demonstrate an inverse relationship between the prevalence of tooth decay in children and the fluoride content of drinking water are still cited as strong evidence for a significant anti-caries effect of fluoride, despite their many shortcomings. In addition, major hypotheses for possible cariostatic m...

After seventy years of controversial discussion, the reports by Dean et al. that purported to demonstrate an inverse relationship between the prevalence of tooth decay in children and the fluoride content of drinking water are still cited as strong evidence for a significant anti-caries effect of fluoride, despite their many shortcomings. In addition, major hypotheses for possible cariostatic m...