| Abstract: |
Sets containing of four specimens of intact human enamel of 18 teeth were inserted into volunteers' partial prostheses. The specimens were exposed to the action of oral cariogenic factors during 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. Electron microanalysis was employed to assess the demineralizing loss of calcium and phosphorus concentrations in experimental specimens, in relation to the original enamel of control specimens. Results showed a significant and steady decrease in Ca and P concentrations in all specimens, which was directly proportional to the duration of specimen exposure to oral cavity conditions. In four specimens with a 28-day oral exposure, an increase in Ca and P concentrations was observed in the most superficial enamel layer, which was explained as activation of the process of remineralization. |