Abstract
THE formation of white spots, which is the first clinical sign of dental caries, is a consequence of sub-surface decalcification1. The carious process therefore involves dissolution of the crystallites—predominantly hydroxyapatite—which constitute the bulk (about 95 per cent by weight) of human dental enamel2. Knowledge of the dissolution kinetics of hydroxyapatite is thus a prerequisite for a complete understanding of the aetiology of dental caries. Moreover, a study of the influence of certain cariostatic agents, such as organic phosphate salts3,4, on the dissolution of hydroxyapatite could well clarify their possible mode(s) of action because those agents which retard dissolution could well possess prophylactic cariostatic activity.
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BRADY, B., NAPPER, D. & SMYTHE, B. Dissolution Kinetics of Hydroxyapatite. Nature 212, 77–78 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/212077a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/212077a0
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