Calcium ion in tooth structure (Ca²⁺)

Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) is the most abundant mineral in teeth and bones, playing an essential role in the formation, hardness, and maintenance of tooth enamel and dentin[2][5]. It combines with phosphate and carbonate to form hydroxyapatite crystals, the structure that gives teeth their rigidity and resistance to physical and chemical damage[2][5]. Enamel formation and remineralization throughout life depend on the continual availability of calcium ions, sourced primarily through diet and regulated by systemic hormones like parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin[2][6][7]. Calcium deficiency increases risk for tooth decay, enamel defects, and bone loss in the jaw, while excessive acid exposure or certain chelating agents accelerate calcium loss, leading to tooth erosion[4][5]. Calcium ions themselves are not direct therapeutic targets, but their presence is vital for dental health. Note: This entry may be considered "incorrect" for structured drug target databases as calcium ion is not a canonical therapeutic target like a receptor, enzyme, or transporter—it is a mineral component essential for tooth structure[2][5][7]. Teeth do contain calcium channels (e.g., voltage-gated channels relevant for development)[3], but "calcium ion in tooth structure" refers to the mineral itself.

Other names

Calcium ionCa²⁺calciumcalcium cation