Which minerals in saliva contribute to remineralization?

Which minerals in saliva contribute to remineralization?

• A. Sodium and potassium
• B. Calcium and phosphate
• C. Magnesium
• D. Fluoride

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that remineralization needs the building blocks for enamel: calcium and phosphate ions. Saliva supplies calcium and phosphate, which diffuse into demineralized subsurface lesions and redeposit as hydroxyapatite crystals when the environment returns to neutral. Fluoride still plays a crucial supportive role by forming fluorapatite and enhancing crystal growth, but the actual minerals supplying the mineral for remineralization are calcium and phosphate. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium don’t provide the main rebuilding blocks, and while fluoride helps the process, it isn’t the primary source of the minerals needed to rebuild the enamel.

The key idea is that remineralization needs the building blocks for enamel: calcium and phosphate ions. Saliva supplies calcium and phosphate, which diffuse into demineralized subsurface lesions and redeposit as hydroxyapatite crystals when the environment returns to neutral. Fluoride still plays a crucial supportive role by forming fluorapatite and enhancing crystal growth, but the actual minerals supplying the mineral for remineralization are calcium and phosphate. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium don’t provide the main rebuilding blocks, and while fluoride helps the process, it isn’t the primary source of the minerals needed to rebuild the enamel.