Solution activity product (KFAP) and simultaneous demineralization-remineralization in bovine tooth enamel and...

The effects of changing the ion activity product of the remineralization solution at pH 4.5 (pKFAP 108-118) on the remineralization behavior of demineralized bovine tooth enamel and hydroxyapatite pellets have been studied. Solutions containing calcium-4.5, phosphate, and fluoride in acetate buffers were used. The 45Ca/F molar ratios indicated the formation of fluoridated hydroxyapatite in the enamel or the pellet when the pKFAP values for remineralizing solutions were less than 112. When the pKFAP values were greater than 112, the 45Ca/F ratios were found to be much less than 5. Also, when the pKFAP values were large (greater than 112), the remineralization patterns based on the fluoride distribution in the tooth (or pellet) were found to be different than when the pKFAP values were small (less than 112). The hypothesis that a pKFAP value of 112 is the demarcation between remineralization only and simultaneous dissolution-remineralization has been proposed based on these results.