Question

What is the pH of the mouth when tooth decay starts?
1. Lower than 5.5
2. Lower than 5
3. Lower than 4.8
4. Lower than 6

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Lower than 5.5

Tooth decay is damage to a tooth caused by dental plaque turning sugars into acid.

Causes of tooth decay :

• Our mouth is full of bacteria that form a film over the teeth called dental plaque.
• When we consume food and drink high in carbohydrates, particularly sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in plaque turn the carbohydrates into energy they need, producing acid at the same time.
• The acid can break down the surface of your tooth, causing holes known as cavities.

• When the pH value in the mouth falls below 5.5 then the tooth decay starts.
• It is happened due to the bacteria present in the mouth.
• The Bacteria produce the acid by the degradation of sugar and food particles, which remain in the mouth after eating.
• Acid affects the enamel of teeth and gradually tooth decays.

Hence we can conclude that tooth decay starts when pH of the mouth is lower than 5.5