Tooth Solubility

Question 1

what do teeth and bone consist of?

Answer 1

calcium phosphate held together by a protein matrix

Question 2

what is mineral component known as and what does it do?

Answer 2

hydroxyapatite which gives teeth and bone rigidity

Question 3

what does an increase in hydrogen ions cause?

Answer 3

equilibrium shifts to the right and increases the solubilisation of calcium phosphate

Question 4

what does an increase in calcium or phosphate concentration do?

Answer 4

causes equilibrium to shift to the left and inhibits solubilisation and promotes re-mineralisation

Question 5

what is erosion?

Answer 5

the direct effect of acids from the diet on teeth

Question 6

what do caries involve?

Answer 6

acid produced by plaque bacteria

Question 7

list the 3 ways in which fluoride acts

Answer 7

1 - reduced enamel solubility at low pH. 2 - inhibits bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates. 3 - promotes remineralisation by saliva