Scientific facts on 2 minerals — per Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
Read the research guideHuman teeth consist largely of mineral structures. Tooth enamel — the outermost layer of the visible tooth — is considered the hardest tissue in the human body and is made up of about 97% hydroxyapatite, a crystalline compound based on calcium and phosphate.
The underlying dentin also contains hydroxyapatite, but at a lower density than enamel. Both structures undergo a continuous process of demineralization and remineralization, influenced by saliva composition, diet, and the pH of the oral cavity.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), certain minerals contribute to the maintenance of normal teeth. Based on scientific opinions, the European Commission has published authorized health claims for calcium and phosphorus.
Calcium and phosphorus each have an EU-authorized health claim relating to the maintenance of normal teeth.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body by quantity. About 99% of total calcium is found in bones and teeth, where it is the main component of the hydroxyapatite that forms the basic mineral structure. In tooth enamel, calcium provides the crystalline hardness that shields the tooth from mechanical stress.
Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, sesame seeds, and fortified plant-based drinks are among the known sources of calcium. The daily reference value is 800 mg under EU regulation.
Per Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body after calcium. About 85% of phosphorus is stored in bones and teeth, where, together with calcium, it forms hydroxyapatite crystals. In dentin and tooth enamel, phosphorus is present as phosphate and contributes to structural firmness.
Meat, fish, dairy products, legumes, and nuts are natural sources of phosphorus. The daily reference value is 700 mg under EU regulation.
Per Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
Human tooth enamel goes through phases of demineralization and remineralization every day. During demineralization, acids — produced by bacteria or by acidic foods — dissolve calcium and phosphate ions from the enamel. During remineralization, these ions, when available, are reincorporated into the crystal structure.
This balance depends on several factors:
Together with phosphate, calcium forms the framework of hydroxyapatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH), the crystalline compound that gives tooth enamel its exceptional hardness. In dentin, hydroxyapatite is arranged less densely and embedded in a collagen matrix.
“Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth” — Per Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
Calcium balance in the body is governed by parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and vitamin D. When the blood calcium level falls below a certain threshold, the body can mobilize calcium from the bones. Teeth, however, do not take part in this exchange, because tooth enamel, once fully formed, no longer has a direct blood supply.
In teeth and bones, phosphorus is present mainly as phosphate (PO₄³⁻). As the second main component of hydroxyapatite, phosphate is directly involved in the mineral integrity of tooth enamel. Phosphate also takes part in numerous metabolic processes, including energy production via ATP and signal transduction.
“Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth” — Per Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
In saliva, phosphate ions are dissolved and contribute to the supersaturation of saliva with calcium and phosphate. This supersaturation is the thermodynamic driving force behind the remineralization of tooth enamel after acid attacks.
A comprehensive collection of information on calcium, phosphorus, and the maintenance of normal teeth — based on EU-authorized claims.
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