Enamel silicon and fluoride relationships demonstrating a surface silicon effect that facilitates fluoride uptake.

This study indicated that a clear relationship exists between silicon and fluoride. We have also demonstrated a probable surface enamel silicon effect that increases fluoride uptake. The complex set of relationships described in the surface chemistry of calcium, tin, and zirconium with fluoride, hydroxide, phosphate, and other surface-occurring ions need not be considered to confuse the specific silicon-fluoride relationship presented here because in this computation we are relating the changes in the silicon and fluoride ion values only. We have, however, considered the thermodynamics of such reactions and intend to elaborate on it in a later publication. We are aware of the small depth of fluoride penetration into enamel after topical treatment Health Foundation, Research Unit at the National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC 20034, USA.