Below which pH range is the risk of tooth enamel dissolving considered higher?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Below about 5.5
Tooth enamel is mainly a calcium-containing mineral that is vulnerable to acidic conditions. Oral bacteria can convert sugars into acids, lowering the pH at the tooth surface. When the pH falls below approximately 5.5, demineralisation of enamel becomes more likely and tooth decay risk increases. Therefore option A is correct. Values above neutral or strongly alkaline values do not represent this usual acid-dissolution threshold.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Below about 5.5
Why is this the correct answer?
Tooth enamel is mainly a calcium-containing mineral that is vulnerable to acidic conditions. Oral bacteria can convert sugars into acids, lowering the pH at the tooth surface. When the pH falls below approximately 5.5, demineralisation of enamel becomes more likely and tooth decay risk increases. Therefore option A is correct. Values above neutral or strongly alkaline values do not represent this usual acid-dissolution threshold.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
