Tooth mineral demineralization

Tooth mineral demineralization is not a discrete molecular entity, receptor, enzyme, or protein, but a **physicochemical process** occurring in teeth, especially in enamel, dentin, and cementum. It refers to the loss of mineral ions (primarily calcium and phosphate) from hydroxyapatite crystals in tooth hard tissue. This process is driven by acidic conditions in the mouth, typically following consumption of carbohydrates and microbial activity, which lower pH and solubilize tooth mineral. The process is dynamic and reversible: if conditions favor remineralization (with sufficient saliva and/or fluoride), lost minerals can be restored; if demineralization dominates, progressive damage leads to dental caries (cavities) and other lesions[1][2][3][4][5]. **Therapeutic targeting** focuses not on the process itself as a "drug target," but on modifying factors (such as salivary composition, oral pH, or microbial load) or enhancing remineralization (with agents like fluoride or calcium phosphates)[2][5]. Therefore, "tooth mineral demineralization" is best classified as a pathological process, not a molecular drug target.

Other names

Demineralization of tooth enamelenamel demineralizationdental hard tissue demineralization