Abstract
Permeability of human dental enamel was studied by following the penetration of acriflavine and potassium fluoride when applied to the surface of the teeth either in vitro or in vivo. Using ultraviolet microscopy to follow the penetration of acriflavine, and the increased resistance to acid etching to follow fluoride penetration, the results indicate that the prism boundary is the permeable structure of enamel. Acriflavine diffuses more rapidly into enamel than potassium fluoride, and both diffuse more rapidly in vivo than in vitro. Application of a concentrated fluoride solution to the surface of the enamel in vivo produced an acid-resistant layer that was similar in etching pattern to a natural maturation. This finding may have clinical application in caries prevention.
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