Advances in Dental Research, Vol 9, 116-117, Copyright © 1995 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
The effect of fluoridated milk on bovine dental enamel
N. P. Chandler, M. E. Thomson and C. W. Thomson
University of Otago, School of Dentistry, New Zealand.
The concept of intra-oral cariogenicity tests, using naturally accumulated
plaque, was pioneered by Koulourides (Koulourides et al., 1974). Tests rely
on changes in microhardness of dental enamel after exposure to substrates.
We used this model, with significant modifications, to determine the
possible caries-protective effect of fluoridated milk. Custom-made cast
chrome intra-oral appliances were made to fit the lower arches of
volunteers. Four removable, highly polished 3 x 4 mm gauze-covered bovine
enamel blocks were slotted into the appliances. These were worn for 48 h so
that plaque would build up. The enamel was color-coded with composite (Kerr
Kolors, Kerr, Romulus, MI) to ensure error-free removal and immersion
extra-orally in the coded test substrates.
