Incorporation of Fluoride by Human Enamel: I. Solid-State Diffusion Process

Abstract

The incorporation of fluoride by human enamel from topical fluoride solutions involves the process of di~usion and is partially governed by Fick's laws of diffusion. Further, the law of mass action applies, and the fluoride within the enamel is partitioned into substitutional and interstitial species. Thus, the phenomenon must be considered from the viewpoint of physical solid-state chemistry to understand it on an atomistic level.