Dissolution and precipitation reactions in human tooth enamel under weak acid conditions.

Slices of enamel were demineralized in weak acid solutions at pH 5. The solutions were analysed for Ca, P, Na and Mg. A substantial increase of the Ca/P ratio in the solution after about 6 h of demineralization was ascribed to brushite formation. The ratios of liberated Ca/Na, P/Na, Ca/Mg and P/Mg were always lower than the correspondent ratios in sound enamel. It was concluded that precipitation of brushite, and a preferential dissolution of Na and Mg compounds from the enamel both play a role in the dissolution-precipitation reactions in dental enamel during acid attack.