pH-cycling of enamel and dentin lesions in the presence of low concentrations of fluoride.

F-dentifrice usage causes slightly elevated fluoride levels in saliva. Therefore, the effects of permanent low fluoride concentrations versus daily dentifrice treatments were studied on enamel and dentin lesions in a pH-cycling model of alternating demineralization and remineralization. Groups received 1) no fluoride treatment, 2) 3 mu M (0.06 ppm) F continuously present during re- and demineralization or 3) daily 5-min F-dentifrice treatments. Solutions were analyzed for changes in calcium and fluoride. Cumulative results (10 d) showed that for the non-fluoride group the dentin lesions increased, while for enamel lesions mineral uptake and loss were balanced. Addition of 3 mu M F caused small, non-significant, enhancement of remineralization (1-7%), while demineralization was significantly inhibited for both tissues (9-23%). The daily dentifrice treatments resulted in a balance between mineral uptake and loss of dentin, due to inhibited demineralization (-33%) and enhanced remineralization (+79%). For enamel, the F-dentifrice treatments resulted in 43% reduction of demineralization, with no significant effect on remineralization. Fluoride loss from the 3 mu M F cycling solutions was significant (up to 50%) and constant during the experimental period. Microradiographic analysis showed remineralization at the lesion front in enamel. In dentin, the lesion depth was increased in all groups, with concomitant mineral deposition in the surface region of the dentifrice group. Results indicate that slightly elevated fluoride levels may be considerably less effective in inhibiting lesion progression in dentin than in enamel, and suggest mineral uptake and loss to occur at similar depths for enamel lesions, while demineralization and remineralization occur at different depths in dentin.