Enhanced root fluoride uptake by monocalcium phosphate monohydrate gels

Application of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) gel, which produces small amounts of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate in enamel, was previously shown to increase the enamel reactivity with fluoride (F). This study was conducted to determine whether the MCPM gel treatment is also effective in enhancing F uptake by root surfaces of human teeth. The results show that samples receiving daily treatments with MCPM gel for 10 min followed by immersion in a 1-ppm F solution for 5 days acquired a significantly greater amount of F compared to the controls which had the same exposure to the F solution. Because the F solution was undersaturated with respect to calcium fluoride (CaF2), the F incorporated into the root is apparently apatitic and not CaF2. This experimental treatment should be feasible in the clinical situation since only a short treatment time was required and delivery of the MCPM gel to specific sites was relatively easy.