How Does Fluoride Concentration in the Tooth Affect Apatite Crystal Size?

Abstract

Despite fluoride’s (F) well-documented ability to prevent caries, the effects of F concentrations on enamel and dentin apatite crystals are unknown. The present study examined the hypothesis that tooth F concentration and tooth crystallite size correlate. One hundred human unerupted third molars were studied—53 from Fortaleza-Brazil (F water 0.7 ppm), 23 from Toronto (1.0 ppm), and 24 from Montreal (0.2 ppm). F concentration was analyzed by Neutron Activation Analysis and apatite crystal size by powder x-ray diffraction. A positive correlation between dentin F concentration and enamel crystallite length and width was found. Enamel crystallite length was significantly greater in teeth from Fortaleza than in teeth from Toronto (p = 0.011) and Montreal (p = 0.003). Enamel crystallite widths were significantly greater in Fortaleza teeth compared with those from Toronto (p = 0.020) and Montreal (p < 0.001). No difference in the dentin crystallite size was seen in the 3 regions. Thus, tooth F concentration and crystallite size correlate.