Tooth mineral surface

The **tooth mineral surface** refers to the inorganic outer layers of the tooth, primarily composed of dental enamel and, in areas where enamel is lost or thinner, exposed dentin. Enamel is a highly mineralized substance (approximately 96% by weight), mainly consisting of carbonated hydroxyapatite crystals with trace elements such as fluoride, strontium, magnesium, and carbonate; the remaining components are water and organic matrix[1][3][4][5][6][7]. The mineral surface forms the protective barrier of the tooth crown and is non-vital, lacking blood supply and nerves. Dentin, which can become exposed through wear or disease, is less mineralized (about 70% by weight) and more permeable[2][4][5]. The chemistry of the tooth mineral surface, its solubility, and its response to environmental factors (acidity, mechanical stress, fluoride exposure) are central to oral diseases like caries and erosion. **"Tooth mineral surface"** does not correspond to a protein, enzyme, receptor, or canonical drug target, but rather denotes an anatomical and physicochemical feature of teeth. As such, it is not considered a classical therapeutic target, though it is the substrate for preventive or therapeutic dental treatments focused on remineralization or protection[1][3][5][6]. If you are seeking a molecular target involved in tooth mineralization, terms like "Carbonated hydroxyapatite" or "Enamelin" may be more appropriate[1][3][7].

Other names

Tooth enamel surfaceTooth dentin surfaceDental mineral surface

Remineralization through ionic exchange (fluoride, calcium, phosphate) Formation of acid-resistant fluorapatite crystals Prevention of demineralization Oxidative bleaching of organic stains