The Effects of Various Ions on Enamel Solubility

Abstract

The effect of treatment with 1/1000 solns. of soluble compounds of several elements on the solubility of powdered enamel in acetate buffer of pH 4 is reported. The results are compared with the effectiveness of a 1/1000 soln. of NaF. It is found that (Cu++, Ag+, So4=, Sr++, Zn++ ions are less effective than F ion, whereas oxalate compares favorably. Solns. containing Pb++ and PbF2, however, show marked ability to reduce the solubility of enamel being 2 and 3.5 times as effective respectively as NaF. The possible clinical use of saturated solns. of PbF2, topically applied, as a preventive measure in the control of dental decay is suggested.