Structural and histochemical observations of fluorotic enamel matrix

The matrix of fluorotic enamel is studied by S.E.M. and histochemically by light microscopy. Observations are made on fluorotic human teeth and on rat incisors in which fluorosis has been produced by daily injections of NaF. The enamel sheaths appear enlarged and irregular, rich in stainable proteins, while glycocomponents of the matrix are less dense. A relationship is suggested between those alterations and the further irregular pattern of mineralization of fluorotic enamel.