Demineralization is defined as which process?

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Multiple Choice

Demineralization is defined as which process?

Demineralization is the chemical loss of minerals from enamel driven by acids produced by plaque bacteria. When these bacteria metabolize fermentable carbohydrates, they create acids that lower the pH at the tooth surface. If the pH falls below the enamel’s critical level (about 5.5), calcium and phosphate leave the hydroxyapatite crystals, especially in the subsurface enamel, producing porosity and a white-spot lesion. This process can be reversed if remineralization occurs, aided by saliva and fluoride, which help redeposit minerals into the crystal lattice. In contrast, mechanical abrasion wears enamel without a chemical mineral loss, bacterial invasion without a pH change doesn’t cause demineralization, and fluoride deposition strengthens enamel rather than dissolving minerals.

Demineralization is the chemical loss of minerals from enamel driven by acids produced by plaque bacteria. When these bacteria metabolize fermentable carbohydrates, they create acids that lower the pH at the tooth surface. If the pH falls below the enamel’s critical level (about 5.5), calcium and phosphate leave the hydroxyapatite crystals, especially in the subsurface enamel, producing porosity and a white-spot lesion. This process can be reversed if remineralization occurs, aided by saliva and fluoride, which help redeposit minerals into the crystal lattice. In contrast, mechanical abrasion wears enamel without a chemical mineral loss, bacterial invasion without a pH change doesn’t cause demineralization, and fluoride deposition strengthens enamel rather than dissolving minerals.

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