Another possibility is that fluoride enhances formation of larger particles of the Prussian blue precipitate by absorption and attraction of more material on the surface of the initially microscopic particles. The larger the particles, the darker the color.
This is supposed to be how fluoride ion prevents tooth decay. Absorption of fluoride on the surface of tooth enamel fosters "re-mineralization" of the tooth surface.
"Second, fluoride promotes the remineralization of enamel. It is not entirely clear how this phenomenon occurs. It has been shown, however, that fluoride increases the concentration of calcium in plaque fluid. This retards enamel demineralization through the common ion effect but also promotes the formation of calcium-phosphate-fluoride salts which precipitate onto the enamel surface." http://www.accessscience.com/studycenter.aspx?main=13&questionID=4858
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
Prev Message
