Carieslike Enamel Changes by Chemical Means

Abstract

Extracted human teeth when exposed to various acid solns. (pH 3.5-6.0) containing less than max. Ca and phosphate ion concns. show enamel changes which grossly resemble true caries. This is characterized by a partial, rather than a total, dissolution of the inorganic components in the tissue. Pure acid solns. with no Ca and phosphate ions produce a total dissolution of the inorganic salts. Acid solns. with a max. concn. of Ca and phosphate ions appear to produce no change in the enamel.