Tooth demineralization (null)

Tooth demineralization is the loss of mineral ions—primarily calcium and phosphate—from the hydroxyapatite structure of tooth enamel and dentin, frequently driven by acidic conditions created by bacterial metabolism of dietary carbohydrates or by direct exposure to dietary/intrinsic acids. This process lowers local pH, dissolves mineral content, and leads to early caries lesions (white spots) or advanced tissue breakdown (cavities), particularly when remineralization processes do not compensate for mineral loss. Demineralization is a dynamic, reversible process when the oral environment favors remineralization, such as with adequate saliva, controlled dietary sugars, and use of remineralizing agents like fluoride, but is ultimately a *process*, not a unified molecular pharmacological target.

Other names

Demineralization (tooth)Dental demineralizationEnamel demineralizationDemineralization of dental hard tissueEnamel subsurface demineralization

Agents decrease demineralization and/or promote remineralization (e.g., fluoride incorporates into enamel as fluorapatite, increasing resistance to acid dissolution)\nElevation of oral pH or enhancement of mineral ion saturation at the tooth surface