Formation of fluoride on enamel in vitro after exposure to fluoridated mouthrinses

The aim of this study was to quantify the formation of alkali-soluble fluoride (loosely bound fluoride such as calcium fluoride-like material and absorbed fluoride) and alkali-insoluble fluoride (firmly bound fluoride or apatitically bound fluoride) when fluoride mouthrinsing solutions were applied on sound human enamel in vitro. Two commercial products containing 0.2% or 0.05% NaF were used during 30 sec, 60 sec, 5 min, and 60 min. The formation of loosely bound fluoride was determined by KOH extraction and visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The firmly bound fluoride was measured by three consecutive acid etchings of the enamel. Even during short periods of application there were deposits on the enamel surface. The amount of deposit increased with time of exposure to the 0.2% NaF solution. Only after treatment for 60 min with 0.05% NaF were significant amounts of alkali-soluble fluoride deposited. No measurable amounts of firmly bound fluoride were observed.