Uptake and retention of aluminum by dental enamel

The uptake, depth of penetration, and retention of aluminum (Al) in sound and acid-etched dental enamel were determined following in vitro applications of solutions containing 0.005 M or 0.037 M Al. Compared with controls, significant amounts of Al uptake (approximately 2000 to 6000 ppm) were detected in both sound and etched enamel, with significantly more Al deposited in the latter. Analysis of successive layers of treated enamel demonstrated that Al was located predominantly within the first 20 microns of surface enamel. Only slight reductions in Al retention occurred following one week of water-soaking or one minute of brushing with water or dentifrice, indicating that Al was firmly bound by enamel.