On the Manner of Acquisition of Fluorine by Mature Teeth

Abstract

The molar teeth of rats fed an ordinary diet contain more fluorine in the dentin than in the enamel but the reverse obtains with respect to the incisor teeth. The fluorine content of the dentin of molar teeth of mature rats is not increased when the animals are given water containing 20 p.p.m. of fluorine. The above facts show that a secondary enrichment of dentin with fluorine occurs after its calcification and that the process does not continue indefinitely. The fluorine content of the enamel of mature erupted teeth (rat molars) is increased by fluorine which enters it through the surface when rats are given drinking water containing 20 p.p.m. of this element.