Abstract
A micromethod for determining the density of small amounts of powdered enamel has been developed. Fractionation by density of successive layers of enamel from single teeth showed predominance of high density fractions in the outer enamel and low density fractions in the inner enamel. The overall effect was a gradual decrease in density from the surface toward the dentine. A small portion of the enamel, probably representing prism sheaths, had a density below 2.70. This fraction contained from 47 to 79% ash. The Ca/P ratio, ranging from 2.06 to 2.24 was similar to that reported for enamel mineral. Exposure of intact enamel to fluoride followed by immersion in a metastable calcium phosphate solution increased the density of the most superficial enamel layer.
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