In addition to cleansing and antibacterial action, saliva provides a constant source of which minerals to support tooth mineral saturation?

• A. Calcium and Phosphate
• B. Sodium and Potassium
• C. Magnesium and Zinc
• D. Fluoride and Chloride

Answer: (A)

Calcium and phosphate ions in saliva provide the constant mineral supply that keeps tooth enamel in a state of saturation with respect to its mineral content. Enamel is mainly hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate mineral, so having calcium and phosphate readily available in saliva supports remineralization after acid exposure and helps re-deposit minerals into demineralized areas. While other components like sodium and potassium mainly influence saliva’s flow and buffering, and trace elements such as magnesium and zinc exist, they do not serve as the primary mineral reservoir for enamel saturation. Fluoride also aids remineralization by forming fluorapatite and reducing solubility, but the ongoing mineral saturation from saliva comes chiefly from calcium and phosphate.