A Flexible and Rapid pH Cycling Procedure for Investigations into the Remineralisation and Demineralisation Behaviour of Human Enamel

A rapid and flexible model system has been developed to study human enamel behaviour under conditions of oscillating pH similar to those experienced in the mouth. The model uses realistic time intervals and operates at in vivo temperatures (35-37 degrees C). Mineral loss or gain is measured quantitatively on a volume basis. Results indicate that for single 1-day periods with three 20-min exposures to acid, 1% v/v of enamel mineral was lost. These results, together with the histological appearance of the tissue, are in close agreement with previous studies of enamel caries.