Deposition of alkali-soluble fluoride on enamel surface with or without pellicle

Deposition of alkali-soluble fluoride on enamel in the presence and absence of an acquired pellicle was studied in vitro during a single topical application of a 2% sodium fluoride solution at neutral pH. Five experimental groups of repeated measures design were established. The amount of alkali-soluble fluoride formed on enamel (i.e., calcium fluoride) was measured by chemical assessments and by SEM. The results showed that there were no differences among the groups demonstrating the incapacity of pellicle to interfere with deposition of alkali-soluble fluoride on enamel. The fluoride ions are thus able to reach the enamel in spite of the presence of the pellicle.