What term refers to the loss of calcium from teeth?

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

Answer: (A)

Loss of calcium from tooth structure is decalcification. This term describes minerals, especially calcium salts, being dissolved from the enamel (and dentin) due to acid exposure from plaque bacteria or acidic foods and drinks. It’s the mineral loss that starts as a white, chalky spot and can progress to caries if not remineralized. Exfoliate refers to shedding teeth or layers, diagnosis is identifying a condition, and distal is a directional term meaning toward the back of the mouth; these don’t describe mineral loss. Fluoride and healthy saliva can help remineralize the tooth and reverse early decalcification.