Effects of fluoride-supplemented sucrose on experimental dental caries and dental plaque pH

Sucrose, 5% and 10% (w/v), supplemented with between 0 and 5 ppm fluoride (F), was tested for its influence in vitro on plaque-induced experimental in vitro enamel caries and plaque pH. Plaque growth on bovine enamel was initiated from saliva inocula and sustained in a multiple plaque growth system for up to 31 days by means of a basal medium with periodic applications of sucrose or sucrose supplemented with F. Change in enamel mineralization was assessed, before and after plaque growth, by microhardness testing and microradiography; pH was monitored with microelectrodes. It was found that enamel demineralization was inversely related to the F concentration in the range 2 to 5 ppm, for both 5% and 10% sucrose. Plaque pH responses were unaffected by the F supplements.