L6. Acids, Buffers and Bases Flashcards
1
Q
What happens to phosphate solubility when acid concentration increases?
A
Phosphate solubility increases. Saliva reverses this process.
2
Q
What causes tooth erosion?
A
Acid in the diet on teeth
3
Q
What causes acid erosion?
A
Acid produced by bacteria which ferment the sugar on teeth
4
Q
Give examples of a chelating agent.
A
Citric acid in fruits
5
Q
What do chelating agents do?
A
Bind to calcium ions so calcium solubilisation cannot be reversed.
6
Q
What is the main buffer in saliva?
A
HCO3- (bicarbonate).
7
Q
Give the secondary buffer in saliva.
A
Phosphate
8
Q
Where are histatins found? What do they do?
A
Saliva. Help the buffering process.
