Degradation of surface enamel and formation of precipitates after topical applications of sodium fluoride solutions in vitro.

After topical treatment of enamel pieces cut from bovine incisors, the chemical composition of the solution phases and of the topmost layers of enamel were determined by special techniques of elemental and surface analysis. Fluoride seems to degrade surface enamel when applied in acidic and neutral solutions. Calcium remains immobile on the enamel surfaces, whereas phosphate goes into solution. When treated with acidic solutions (0.05-0.5 mol/l fluoride), a calcium-fluoride-rich phase is precipitated on the enamel surfaces.