pH CHANGE AS THE CAUSE OF TOOTH DECAY

 Tooth decay starts when the pH of the mouth is lower than 5.5. Tooth enamel, made up of calcium hydroxyapatite (a crystalline form of calcium phosphate) is the hardest substance in the body. It does not dissolve in water, but is corroded when the pH in the mouth is below 5.5. Bacteria present in the mouth produce acids by degradation of sugar and food particles remaining in the mouth after eating. The best way to prevent this is to clean the mouth after eating food. Using toothpastes, which are generally basic, for cleaning the teeth can neutralise the excess acid and prevent tooth decay.

You might have heard that the pH level in the body affects your health. Studies have shown that lower, or acidic, pH levels are associated with a greater risk of serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Studies have also shown that higher, or alkaline, pH levels are linked to improvements in memory and cognition, reduced pain, and lower risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), and stroke.

Another interesting link is pH levels and bone health.  Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of pH on bone health, and studies have discovered that low-acid diets can help improve bone density. According to Dr Sara Gottfried, the Journal of Nutrition published a study that stated that alkaline mineral waters can decrease bone resorption and even lower parathyroid hormone levels which regulate the release of calcium from bone.

An alkaline diet is one that incorporates foods that can increase the pH levels. Interestingly, an alkaline diet is associated with an increase in growth hormone which can burn fat, improve libido, and retain a general sense of well-being.

Maintaining a good pH balance in the mouth allows a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria. Many of the good bacteria in our mouth are harmless and some bacteria, known as probiotics, aid in the digestion of foods. Other good bacteria actually protect our teeth and gums.

Certain foods, such as sugary beverages, snacks, and some grains, increase the acidity in the mouth. The pH of the mouth can change dramatically with the types offoods we eat. Foods that are highly acidic, like lemons, lowers the pH, while foods like melons increases the pH.

The saliva can help neutralize the acid, but eating acidic foods can increase the acidity of the saliva. If the pH takes a long time to neutralize in the mouth, it may give bad bacteria enough time to wreak havoc on the teeth and gums. Typically it may take a few minutes or a few hours for the pH to neutralize. An acidic mouth is an optimal environment for bad bacteria to grow, and if given the time and the ability, it can cause tooth decay.

Question 5.1 The pH of mouth is generally-

(a) Less than 7

(b) Greater than 7

(c) Equal to 7

(d) Cannot be determined.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Q5.2 The hardest substance in the body has _______________ and __________ elements as the major components.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Q5.3 What according to you, could be the reason of not allowing the kids to eat plenty of chocolates?

Q 5.4 Give two benefits of having an alkaline diet.

Answer-key

5.1 (a) less than 7- Full credit.

Any other response- no credit

5.2  Calcium and Phosphorus– Full credit

Calcium, phosphorus and oxygen – Full credit

Any one of Calcium, phosphorus and oxygen – partial credit

Any other response- no credit

5.3 Sugary substances turn into acidic when reacted with saliva in our mouth. This acid decays the teeth and is the reason of cavity in the teeth. – Similar responses – full credit.

Any other response- no credit

5.4Higher, or alkaline, pH levels are linked to improvements in memory and cognition, reduced pain, and lower risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), and stroke. Low-acid diets can help improve bone density. It allows a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth and helps prevent tooth decay. – Any two of these responses- full credit.

Any other response – no credit