In theory, calcium and phosphate in the plaque fluid exert a large influence on the demineralization of enamel surface. In order to know the effect of increasing the concentration of either of these factors, the following in vitro experiment was conducted. Three thin sections, about 150 Ìm thick, were cut out from each of 13 human premolars. All surfaces of the sections, except for the original enamel surface, were coated with nail varnish. These sections were immersed into one of two sets of demineralizing solutions for 1 week at 25°C. Each set, the ‘calcium set’ and the ‘phosphate set’, contained three solutions. The composition of these solutions differed mainly in calcium or phosphate concentrations. After 1 week, the degree of demineralization was determined by image analysis of contact microradiograms from each section. The subsurface demineralization in enamel was reduced by 95% by increasing the calcium concentration of the demineralizing solution from 7 to 21 mmol/l. A similar reduction (87%) was observed by increasing the phosphate concentration. However, the amount of phosphate needed was approximately 20 times more than that of calcium. The larger inhibitory effect that calcium has on enamel demineralization was related to the larger effect it has on the degree of saturation of the solution. Even though no statistically significant difference was found between the effect of calcium and phosphate on the demineralization of enamel (when the solutions had the same degree of saturation), the difference in the standard deviation of demineralization suggests the existence of some other factors which have an influence on the demineralization reaction.

Keywords:
Calcium, Enamel demineralization, Phosphate, Reduction
This content is only available via PDF.
2000
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.