ENAMEL FORMATION AND THE EFFECTS OF FLUORIDE

The exact biochemical events which result in enamel lesions from exces s fluoride ingestion are still unknown. A number of effects of fluorid e on enamel organs and on the enamel matrix components of developing t eeth are, however, known. These are briefly reviewed, making reference to more recent studies. Two major influences of chronic, low-level fl uoride exposure are proposed: fluoride interferes with the processes r esponsible for the efficient removal of organic matrix components, res ulting in protein retention and disorganized enamel crystal formation, or fluoride disrupts the activities of the enamel organ cells which i ndirectly interferes with normal crystal formation.