In this study evidence is provided for the existence of a gradient in solubility and rate of dissolution of human tooth enamel. These gradients were obtained quantitatively by applying calcium and phosphate-containing acetate buffers of varying degree of saturation with respect to hydroxyapatite on transversely abraded enamel. It could not be ascertained to which extent the gradient in the rate of dissolution is due to thermodynamic or geometrical factors. A minimum value of the rate constant of dissolution was estimated from the experimental results.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Theuns et al. (2009) studied this question.