Diffusion of Ions between Two Solutions Saturated With Respect to Hydroxyapatite: A Mechanism for Subsurface Demineralization of Teeth

Published

July 17, 2010

Author(s)

Laurence C. Chow

Abstract

Diffusion-controlled dissolution and precipitation reactions occur in many biological systems and some non-stirred in vitro systems. Previous studies have shown that differences in the diffusion rates of ions involved in a dissolution/precipitation reaction can produce significant effects on the rate and course of the reaction. We report here results of a study that show inter-diffusion of ions between two solutions, both saturated with respect to hydroxyapatite but with dissimilar compositions, resulted in one solution becoming undersaturated and the other supersaturated. A model is proposed that may explain the formation of a mineral-dense layer in the caries process.

Citation

Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -

Volume

115

Issue

4

NIST Pub Series

Journal of Research (NIST JRES)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

Dissolution, precipitation, diffusion, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, caries, demineralization

Citation

Chow, L. (2010), Diffusion of Ions between Two Solutions Saturated With Respect to Hydroxyapatite: A Mechanism for Subsurface Demineralization of Teeth, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=905877 (Accessed October 13, 2025)