Surface Structure of Hydroxyl Apatite from Fluorosis Enamel

Abstract

Fluorosis is a condition due to ingestion of excessive amounts of Fluor that can cause the change in teeth structure and strength. Currently, a poor explanation was available to describe the surface structure of crystal hydroxylapatite that contributes to influence the macro characteristic of fluorosis enamel. The objective of this research is to describe the surface structure of crystal hydroxylapatite (HA) in fluorosis enamel. Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Disperse X-Ray (SEM/ EDX) confirmed Fluor concentration was higher in fluorosis enamel and the surface increasingly roughness and porous. SEM/ EDX also confirmed gaps areas between enamel rods and visible non-prismatic zone in some regions Furthermore, research highlighted high-level Fluor concentration on fluorosis enamel indicates the substitution of OH-by F-increasing the surface roughness of enamel surface. Gaps areas between enamel rods and visible non- prismatic zone in enamel generate the enamel into the irregular pattern, roughness and porous. Fluor as most electronegative element influences the macro characteristic of fluorosis enamel and contributes to decreasing the stability of enamel strength.

Keywords: Enamel, Fluor Fluorosis, hydroxyl apatite, SEM/ EDX.