In vivo enamel fluoride uptake from and caries inhibition by topical fluoride agents.

Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), Duraphat or Fluor Protector, was applied to the molar teeth of rats fed a cariogenic diet. The first maxillary molar teeth were subjected to a microbiopsy procedure for fluoride analysis and the mandibular molars scored for caries. All three topical fluoride agents produced a significant increase in the fluoride content of the outermost 5.0 micron of enamel. Only APF produced a significant reduction in caries incidence at all sites.