ABSTRACT
Biomineralization is an important concept for understanding how enamel is initially formed and subsequently grows. The structure and function of fully mature enamel are determined by these complex processes. Once formed, enamel is in continual contact with the oral environment, particularly saliva and plaque fluids, which bathe the exposed surfaces. Thus, during formation and subsequently when completely formed, enamel is constantly undergoing biomineralization events, which may also influence its destruction during tooth mineral loss events such as caries and erosion. This chapter focuses on the processes occurring at different length scales during the biomineralization and biodemineralization of enamel and on the factors that influence its subsequent preservation.
