Effect of fluoride addition on ionized calcium in salivary sediment and in saliva containing various amounts of solid calcium fluoride.

The aim of the present study was to estimate the fluoride concentrations necessary for the precipitation of calcium fluoride or calcium fluoride-like substances in saliva and salivary sediment, in the presence of various amounts of chemically pure calcium fluoride. Fluoride was added in increments to whole saliva to which solid calcium fluoride had been added. The ionized calcium concentration was determined immediately after centrifugation. In salivary sediments and saliva with no calcium fluoride added the ionized calcium concentration was nearly independent of the fluoride concentration added below 10 and 20 mmol/l, respectively, and at fluoride concentration above 15 and 25 mmol/l, respectively, nearly no ionic calcium was detected. In the presence of calcium fluoride the ionized calcium concentration decreased rapidly with increasing concentrations of fluoride. The more calcium fluoride added, the lower the ionized calcium concentration at a certain fluoride level. The results suggested that in the in vivo-situation, caries preventive measures based on frequent oral exposure to low concentrations of fluoride may provide calcium fluoride or calcium fluoride-like substances, which will serve as a reservoir for fluoride.