A potential model for the interaction of enamel fluoride and plaque in the development of dental caries.

A model relating caries to surface enamel fluoride and plaque has been derived by exploratory data analyses. Since the model was obtained a posteriori, it is best viewed in qualitative terms as a hypothesis for future testing. The model prompts a re-evaluation of expectations relative to the effects of surface enamel apatitic fluoride, and a consideration that the effectiveness of a given measure of fluoride may vary as a function of inherent challenge. Thus, further studies are needed, aimed at quantifying the parameters of resistance and challenge, and characterizing the relationship between them.