What is the name of the process whereby external calcium and phosphate ions promote mineral gain in demineralized enamel?

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

Answer: (B)

Remineralization is the repair process where minerals, including calcium and phosphate from saliva, redeposit into the demineralized enamel subsurface to restore mineral density and reverse early lesions. This mineral gain helps strengthen enamel after acid challenges, and fluoride often enhances the process by promoting a more acid-resistant mineral form and aiding ion uptake. The other terms describe different concepts: demineralization is the loss of minerals from enamel; calcification is a general mineral deposition process not specific to repairing dissolved enamel; fluoridation refers to adding fluoride to water or products, not the mineral-replacing process itself.