Solubility of Tooth Mineral Flashcards
1
Q
What effect does an increase in [H+] have on the solubility of tooth mineral?
A
Increases the solubilisation of calcium phosphate, so is de-mineralising teeth
2
Q
What effect does an increase in calcium or phosphate have on tooth mineral?
A
It inhibits the solubilisation and so promotes re-mineralisation of teeth
3
Q
What do chelating agents do?
A
They mop up calcium ions in solution
4
Q
What is erosion?
A
The direct effect of acids from the diet on teeth, whereas caries involves acids produced by plaque bacteria
5
Q
How does fluoride act?
A
- Reduces enamel solubility at low pH
- Inhibits bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates
- Promotes enamel remineralisation by saliva
