What characteristic of glass ionomer allows it to be useful in prevention of dental caries?

The characteristic that makes glass ionomer useful in the prevention of dental caries is its ability to release fluoride over time. Fluoride is known for its capacity to enhance remineralization of enamel, reduce demineralization, and inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. This gradual release of fluoride from glass ionomer materials provides a sustained therapeutic effect, contributing to the ongoing protection against dental caries at the tooth surface.

While other materials might contain antibacterial agents or be high strength, glass ionomer’s unique property of fluoride release directly ties to its preventative measure against caries, making it particularly advantageous in dental applications. Its non-toxic nature is also beneficial, but it does not directly contribute to caries prevention in the way fluoride release does.