The process whereby calcium & phosphate ions are supplied from a source external to the tooth to promote ion deposition into crystal voids in demineralized enamel to produce net mineral gain

• A. Demineralization
• B. Remineralization
• C. Erosion
• D. Calcification

Answer: (B)

Remineralization is the process of redepositing minerals into demineralized enamel from sources outside the tooth, restoring mineral content. When enamel is attacked by acids, minerals like calcium and phosphate are dissolved and leave voids in the crystal lattice. Saliva (and fluoride) supplies calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions to those voids, allowing new mineral to form within the crystal structure. If this mineral redeposition outpaces loss, the enamel gains mineral overall, helping to halt or reverse early caries. The idea emphasizes rebuilding mineral, not just loss, and it relies on external sources of calcium and phosphate and the presence of fluoride to strengthen the newly formed mineral. Demineralization describes mineral loss, erosion is surface softening from acid without rebuilding, and calcification is a broader term for mineral deposition that isn’t specific to the enamel remineralization process the way this scenario describes.