Cyclic changes in the properties of maturing enamel in the bovine permanent incisor as revealed by glyoxal bis(2-hydroxyanil) staining.

Staining patterns of the surface and interior of maturing enamel of these tooth germs were examined using the glyoxal bis(2-hydroxyanil) (GBHA) solution which chelates with calcium loosely bound to hydroxyapatite to form insoluble red precipitates. An intense red, band-like pattern of GBHA staining, 1-2 mm wide, first appeared on the incisal portion of lingual enamel surface as complete loops, concentrically arranged; these gradually increased in number. Most of the later-formed bands encircled the entire periphery of the maturing enamel surface. GBHA also revealed reactive areas on the labio-lingual, cut and ground surface of maturing enamel, corresponding exactly to the surface GBHA bands. GBHA did not stain EDTA-etched surface enamel, but did reveal regular staining patterns on the ground surface, disclosed after EDTA treatment. These observations suggest an intimate correlation between the properties of interior and surface enamel, at least with regard to the state of local calcium. The maturation of bovine incisor enamel may start at the lingual aspect of the tooth crown.