Restorative & Materials · single question
Which best describes the natural mechanism by which early enamel caries (white spot lesions) can be reversed?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Salivary buffering and calcium/phosphate remineralization
- A. Parietal cells secrete gastric acid in the stomach — irrelevant to enamel and would be harmful, not reparative.
- B. Correct. Saliva buffers acids and supplies calcium and phosphate (aided by fluoride) that re-deposit mineral into the demineralized enamel, reversing early white spot lesions.
- C. Chlorhexidine reduces bacteria but does not itself remineralize enamel.
- D. Brushing removes plaque (prevention) but does not, by itself, reverse the lesion through mineral redeposition.
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