EFFECT OF FLUORIDE TABLETS ON UPTAKE AND LOSS OF FLUORIDE IN SUPERFICIAL ENAMEL INVIVO

The effect of tablets as a mode of F- administration was studied in vivo in short-term experiments. Small enamel sections were fixed in the oral cavity of volunteers with acrylic appliances. The F- content of the superficial enamel was determined at varying intervals. Daily administration of 1 tablet containing 1 mg F- as NaF caused a F- uptake of about 50 ppm/day in the outer enamel. Discontinuation after 6 days was followed by rapid loss of F. After 10 days, the initial low concentration was reached. In spite of high initial F- increase there was no stable binding between F- and enamel during this limited period of time.