The Effect of Topical Fluoride Applications on the Surface Free Energy of Human Enamel- An in vitro Study

Abstract

The surface free energy γ _s and its polar and dispersion components γ_s^p and γ_s^d were determined from contact angle measurements on human enamel treated with sodium fluoride, acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), and aminfluoride solutions. Sodium fluoride solutions only slightly influenced the surface free energy component γ_s^p. The γ_s^p value of the APF-treated human enamel increased from 52 to 66 erg.cm^-2. The γ_s^p value after aminfluoride treatment decreased from 52 to 19 erg.cm^-2. The γ_s^d values remained about 35 erg.cm^-2 for all specimens measured. It is suggested that aminfluoride-treated enamel surfaces may exhibit a reduced tendency for bacterial adhesion.