Assimilation of fluoride by enamel throughout the life of the tooth

In discussing the mechanism of fluoride action, it is useful to bear in mind the general picture of fluoride metabolism (fig. 1). Since, however, our principal concern is its effect on enamel, we should consider in some detail the pattern of fluoride uptake and distribution in enamel from the beginning of its formation until it is worn away or destroyed by caries in the mouth.