National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Study with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your dental hygienist exam!

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Which of the following is not a major component of saliva that helps protect against dental caries?

Calcium
Phosphate
Iron
Fluoride

The correct answer is: Iron

Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health, particularly in protecting against dental caries. Among its components, calcium, phosphate, and fluoride are well-known for their ability to remineralize tooth enamel, thus helping to prevent decay. Calcium and phosphate are essential minerals that contribute to the structural integrity of teeth, while fluoride strengthens enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. Iron, while a vital nutrient for overall health and involved in various bodily processes, does not play a direct role in the caries prevention mechanism that saliva provides. Therefore, it is not considered a major component of saliva in terms of combating dental caries. By recognizing this, it becomes clear why iron is not among the protective elements provided by salivary composition pertaining to dental health.