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Which of the following demineralises the enamel of the teeth?
Acids produced by bacteria
Saliva
Toothpaste
Soft toothbrush
Acids produced by bacteria
Dental enamel is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, which is sensitive to acidic environments. Bacteria residing in dental plaque ferment dietary sugars to produce organic acids, which lower the pH of the oral cavity and dissolve the mineral structure of the enamel.
Dental enamel is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, which is sensitive to acidic environments. Bacteria residing in dental plaque ferment dietary sugars to produce organic acids, which lower the pH of the oral cavity and dissolve the mineral structure of the enamel.
Think of tooth enamel like a chalk statue; just as vinegar (an acid) dissolves chalk (a base), the acid produced by plaque-bacteria dissolves the mineral "statue" of your tooth.
B-A-D: Bacteria + Acid = Decay
Ca10тАЛ(PO4тАЛ)6тАЛ(OH)2тАЛ+8H+тЖТ10Ca2++6HPO42тИТтАЛ+2H2тАЛO тАФ The chemical reaction showing the acid-induced dissolution of tooth enamel.
The process involves the demineralization of hydroxyapatite (Ca10тАЛ(PO4тАЛ)6тАЛ(OH)2тАЛ) in the presence of hydrogen ions (H+). When pH drops below the critical threshold of approximately 5.5, the equilibrium shifts, causing the release of calcium and phosphate ions from the enamel surface into the saliva. The chemical dissolution can be represented as: Ca10тАЛ(PO4тАЛ)6тАЛ(OH)2тАЛ+8H+тЖТ10Ca2++6HPO42тИТтАЛ+2H2тАЛO.
The critical pH level for enamel demineralization is approximately 5.5.
Streptococcus mutans is a primary bacterial species responsible for acid production in the mouth.
Saliva acts as a natural buffer and remineralizing agent by providing calcium and phosphate ions.
Prolonged exposure to acidic environments leads to dental caries (cavities).
Dental hygiene practices (brushing, flossing) to remove plaque.
Fluoridation of water to strengthen enamel against acid attacks.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, consisting of 96% mineral.
Option B (Saliva) is incorrect because it helps remineralize teeth and maintains pH balance.
Option C (Toothpaste) is incorrect as it contains abrasives and fluoride to protect, not demineralize.
Option D (Soft toothbrush) is incorrect as it is a cleaning tool, not a chemical agent causing mineral loss.
A is correct тАФ Acids produced by bacteria lower the oral pH, leading to the chemical dissolution of the tooth's mineralized enamel.
In exams, remember that saliva is your body's natural defense against tooth decay due to its buffering capacity and presence of mineral ions for remineralization.
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