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Pathology · single question

Which statement about saliva and remineralization is TRUE?

  1. Salivary flow is constant and continuous 24 hours per day
  2. Saliva remineralizes enamel through its calcium and phosphate ion content
  3. Remineralization cannot occur without fluoride
  4. Once enamel is fully formed, saliva cannot affect it
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Saliva remineralizes enamel through its calcium and phosphate ion content

Saliva remineralizes early carious lesions through its supersaturated calcium and phosphate ions. Saliva also contains: buffering agents (bicarbonate), antimicrobial proteins (lysozyme, lactoferrin, IgA), and provides the medium for fluoride to work. Importantly, salivary flow is NOT constant — it decreases significantly during sleep (→ increased nocturnal caries risk).
  • A. ❌ FALSE — salivary flow is NOT constant; it decreases significantly during sleep, increasing nocturnal caries risk.
  • B. ✅ TRUE — saliva contains calcium and phosphate ions that remineralize early enamel lesions.
  • C. ❌ FALSE — remineralization CAN occur without fluoride (calcium + phosphate alone remineralize); fluoride greatly enhances it.
  • D. ❌ FALSE — saliva can remineralize early lesions on fully erupted, fully formed enamel.

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