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Enamel demineralization in primary and permanent teeth.
1Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, NY 14260, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|March 29, 2006
Summary
Primary enamel demineralizes faster than permanent enamel, indicating higher susceptibility to acid dissolution. Nanosized crystallites formed during demineralization may offer protection, influencing enamel
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Biomineralization
- Caries Research
Background:
- Enamel demineralization is crucial for understanding caries formation.
- Differences in susceptibility between primary and permanent enamel remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the acid-induced demineralization rates of primary and permanent enamel.
- To analyze the behavior of dissolution products during demineralization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the constant composition (CC) technique.
- Simulated demineralization conditions: relative undersaturation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) at 0.902, pH 4.5, and ionic strength 0.15 mol L(-1).
Main Results:
- Primary enamel exhibited significantly higher demineralization rates (1.5 +/- 0.5 x 10(-10) mol mm(-2) min(-1)) compared to permanent enamel (2.6 +/- 0.5 x 10(-11) mol mm(-2) min(-1)).
- Observed nanosized crystallites formed during dissolution, attaching to surfaces or entering the solution.
- These crystallites showed kinetic protection against further dissolution despite undersaturation.
Conclusions:
- Primary enamel is more susceptible to acid dissolution than permanent enamel.
- Formed nanosized crystallites may play a role in enamel's mechanical and dynamic properties.
- Understanding these differences is vital for caries prevention strategies.
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