title: A scanning electron microscopic study of enamel surfaces treated with topical fluoride agents in vivo.
abstract: The morphological appearance of human enamel treated with topical fluoride (F) agents was studied. Maxillary acrylic appliances carrying the enamel sections were worn for 24 h following 5-min application of neutral NaF gel-drops, APF gel and Duraphat varnish. All F treatment induced surface coatings composed of globules, suggestive of CaF2. The sizes of the globules varied according to the F agents and, in general, were less than 1 micron in diameter. The globules formed following neutral NaF gel-drops and APF were spherical; while those produced by Duraphat were flattened, forming a sheet-like deposit. Irregular masses of organic-like material were seen on F- untreated enamel, which were exposed to the oral environment for 24 h (controls). The prolonged retention of a F-rich surface coating may act as a reservoir of F supplement to the enamel microenvironment, which thus contributes to remineralization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: F N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Hattab
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D002124:Calcium Fluoride; D003461:Crystallography; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D005460:Fluorides, Topical; C023807:sodium fluoride topical preparation; D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D002124:Calcium Fluoride