The diffusion in vitro of fluoride and chlorhexidine in the enamel of human deciduous and permanent teeth.

The permeability of human dental enamel was studied by following the diffusion of [51Cr]-ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), F and [14C]-chlorhexidine using two-chamber diffusion cells. The [51Cr]-EDTA served as a marker to control the change in enamel permeability during the diffusion process. An average increase in enamel permeability of about 1.6-fold was recorded following the initial diffusion of the test compounds in the deciduous and permanent enamel. The permeability of deciduous enamel was much higher than that of permanent enamel. For [51Cr]-EDTA and [14C]-chlorhexidine, the average diffusion coefficient was about 30-fold more than in permanent enamel; for F it was 150-fold more. The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). Co-administration of F and [14C]-chlorhexidine showed a higher diffusion rate for each compound than when separately diffused. Whether this is due to a synergetic effect or to increased enamel permeability following the initial diffusion of the compound, or both, is still uncertain.