What beneficial ion is released by glass ionomer materials?

Glass ionomer materials are renowned for their ability to release fluoride ions once they set. This characteristic contributes significantly to their effectiveness in dental restoration and preventative applications. Fluoride plays a crucial role in enhancing enamel remineralization and inhibiting demineralization, which helps protect against dental caries.

Moreover, fluoride's ability to integrate with existing tooth structure helps in reinforcing and maintaining the strength of the teeth over time. This ion release is one of the main reasons glass ionomer cements are often used in areas at higher risk for caries, making them particularly beneficial in pediatric dentistry and for individuals at risk for cavities.

In the context of this question, while calcium is an important ion in dental health, and sodium and chloride have their respective roles in various biological functions, they do not possess the same caries-preventive properties associated with fluoride release that glass ionomer materials provide. Therefore, the release of fluoride ions is the standout feature that benefits restorations created with glass ionomer materials.