title: Prevention of enamel demineralization with a novel fluoride strip: enamel surface composition and depth profile.
abstract: There is no topically applicable low concentration fluoride delivery device available for caries prevention. This study was aimed to assess the use of a low concentration (1450 ppm) fluoride strip as an effective fluoride delivery system against enamel demineralization. The enamel surface composition and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite or toothpaste treatments were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In vitro enamel demineralization was assayed using a pH cycling model and the dissolution of calcium ions from the treated specimens was quantified using ion chromatography. After 24-hr fluoride-strip treatment, the enamel was covered with a CaF2 layer which showed a granular morphology of 1 μm in size. Below the CaF2 layer was a region of mixed fluorapatite and CaF2. Fluoride infiltrated extensively in enamel to produce highly fluorinated fluorohydroxyapatite. In comparison, low-fluoride-level fluorinated fluorohydroxyapatite was formed on the enamel specimen exposed to toothpaste. The treatments with the fluoride strip as short as 1 hr significantly inhibited enamel demineralization. The fluoride strip was effective for topical fluoride delivery and inhibited in vitro demineralization of enamel by forming CaF2 and fluoride-containing apatites at the enamel surface. It exhibited the potential as an effective fluoride delivery device for general use in prevention of caries.
authors: Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, No.1, Changde St., Jhongjheng District, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
authors: Bor-Shiunn
authors: BS
authors: Lee
authors: Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, No.1, Changde St., Jhongjheng District, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
authors: Po-Hung
authors: PH
authors: Chou
authors: Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
authors: Shu-Yu
authors: SY
authors: Chen
authors: Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
authors: Hua-Yang
authors: HY
authors: Liao
authors: Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
authors: Che-Chen
authors: CC
authors: Chang