[The effect of ammonium fluoride solution at various concentrations on enamel]

The fluoride concentrations of ammonium fluoride solution (NH4F,pH 4.4), which has the same effect on enamel powder as conventional APF solution, were studied. Human enamel powder (200 mesh passed) was treated with solutions of NH4F (1,000 ppmF-, 3,000 ppmF-, 5,000 ppmF-, 7,000 ppmF-, 9,000 ppmF-, pH 4.4) and APF (9,000 ppmF-, pH 3.4) for 5 min. at 37 degrees C. Some of the specimen was washed with 1MKOH solution for 48 hours. Fluoride uptake by enamel powder was analyzed by means of chemical analysis and reaction products identified using X-ray diffractometry. The fluoride uptake of 5,000 ppmF- of NH4F-treated enamel was the same as that of APF-treated enamel. X-ray diffractometry showed that CaF2 was formed in the experimental groups. CaF2 with high crystallinity was formed in the NH4F-treated enamel, and the peak height of X-ray diffraction pattern of CaF2 in 3,000 ppmF- of NH4F-treated enamel was the same as that of APF-treated enamel. In conclusion, the ammonium fluoride solution of 3,000-5,000 ppmF- had a similar effect on enamel powder as conventional APF solution.