Chemical analysis of sound and carious enamel of permanent tooth.

ABSTRACT

Enamel consists mainly of inorganic material (96%) and only a small amount of organic substance and water (4%). The inorganic material is similar to apatite. The originally found apatite mineral remains basically unchanged except at the surface in contact with the oral tissues, where diffusion processes operate. Enamel reflects the trace element environment present in the tissue fluids at the time of tissue development. These are variations of types and concentration of inorganic elements found in permanent and deciduous enamel. Variations are also seen in sound and carious enamel.