Studies on the physical properties of fluorosed enamel—I: Microradiographic studies

Abstract

Thirteen permanent fluorosed teeth collected from areas where the water supply contains 2.12–5.0 p.p.m. fluoride were studied microradiographically. Most of these teeth showed areas of radiolucency. In all cases the outer layer was well calcified, as was the enamel towards the dentine. The spread of the radiolucent areas varied, whereas the depth was predictable. Where the drinking water contained less than 5.0 p.p.m. of fluoride only the subsurface outer third of the enamel was radiolucent. Teeth from Post, Texas (5.0 p.p.m. fluoride in drinking water) showed radiolucent areas extending through one-half to three-quarters of the enamel thickness. Within the affected enamel, the interprismatic substance and areas along the edge of each incremental layer appeared to be the most radiolucent.