Which term means loss of mineral content in tooth enamel?

Which term means loss of mineral content in tooth enamel?

• A. Decalcification
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Distal
• D. Crown

Answer: (A)

The concept tested is mineral loss from enamel due to acid exposure. Enamel is the most mineralized tissue in the tooth, predominantly with calcium and phosphate in hydroxyapatite crystals. When acids from plaque and diet lower the mouth pH, minerals are dissolved and carried away from the enamel—a process called decalcification. This loss of mineral content weakens the enamel and can start as white-spot lesions; with fluoride and other minerals present, remineralization can rebuild some of that mineral content, but if the acid challenge continues, a cavity can develop. The other terms don’t relate to mineral loss in enamel: diagnosis is identifying disease, distal is a directional term, and crown refers to the portion of the tooth above the gum.

The concept tested is mineral loss from enamel due to acid exposure. Enamel is the most mineralized tissue in the tooth, predominantly with calcium and phosphate in hydroxyapatite crystals. When acids from plaque and diet lower the mouth pH, minerals are dissolved and carried away from the enamel—a process called decalcification. This loss of mineral content weakens the enamel and can start as white-spot lesions; with fluoride and other minerals present, remineralization can rebuild some of that mineral content, but if the acid challenge continues, a cavity can develop. The other terms don’t relate to mineral loss in enamel: diagnosis is identifying disease, distal is a directional term, and crown refers to the portion of the tooth above the gum.