Volumetric assessment and quantitative element analysis of the effect of fluoridated milk on enamel demineralization

Objectives: It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effect of milk and fluoridated milk on experimentally induced caries-like-lesions. Materials and methods: Twelve extracted impacted human molars were covered with wax leaving two 3 mm×3 mm windows on the buccal and lingual surfaces and incubated alternating in demineralizing solution at pH 4.85 and in milk, F-milk, saline, and remineralizing solution, respectively. Afterwards serial ground sections were cut and investigated by polarization-light-microscopy (PLM) and SEM using EDX element analysis. Results: The results showed increased thickness of the superficial layer in the F-milk samples. Quantitative element analysis revealed a significant increase in the fluoride content of the superficial layer and of the body of the lesion of the F-milk group. The body of the lesion of the F-milk group was less demineralized than in the other groups. Conclusion: From the results we conclude, that the parallel investigation by PLM, SEM combined with EDX quantitative element analysis is a powerful method to assess caries-like-lesion formation and that fluoridated milk has protective properties in inhibiting demineralization.