The inhibition of demineralization of human enamel after fluoride varnish application as a function of the fluoride content. An in vitro study under constant composition demineralizing conditions.

The inhibiting effect of a 24 hours application of a fluoridated varnish with various fluoride contents on demineralization of human sound enamel was evaluated in vitro. The varnishes used had the same polyurethane base (Fluor Protector) and contained 0.7; 0.1; 0.05 and 0 wt% fluoride, resp. A constant composition technique was used to demineralize varnished and non-varnished specimens at a pH of 5 for periods upto 2 weeks. Microhardness measurements were carried out after several time intervals to follow mineral loss in time longitudinally. At the end of each experimental run microradiography was carried out to investigate 1) lesion type, 2) lesion depth and 3) mineral loss. It is shown in this study that the fluoride releasing varnishes applied on the enamel for 24 hours can inhibit demineralization completely. No demineralization inhibition with the 0% fluoride varnish application was observed.