The critical pH for tooth demineralization is?
(A.) pH 5.5
(B.) pH 6
(C.) pH 6.7
(D.) pH 7
Answer: (A.) pH 5.5
CRITICAL PH is the pH at which demineralization occur. Critical pH for enamel and cementum are as below:
– enamel: pH 5.5
– cementum: pH 6
The pH of the tooth surface remains below the critical pH of 5.5 for 20 to 50 minutes following a single exposure to sucrose. Moreover, it is very important to know that repeated intakes of sweet snacks in between meals can result in an almost continuous attack on the tooth surface.
Additional information: pH is the symbol of HYDROGEN IONS CONCENTRATION expressed in numbers corresponding to the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. The range is from 0 (PURE ACID) TO 14 (PURE BASE). Therefore, the lower the number the more acidic it is, and for our oral cavity, the more destructive it is.
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