Question

In the mouth, tooth decay occurs when pH is less than _____

Answer 1

Hint: Tooth decay can be defined as the softening of tooth enamel leading to the structural damage of the tooth due to the acids formed from the decomposition of sugar in the mouth by plaque bacteria.

Complete step by step answer:
When this condition is left untreated for a long time it results in mineral loss from the enamel resulting in the formation of cavities, or holes in the tooth and may ultimately damage the whole tooth. In some cases, exposure of nerves in the dentine of the teeth takes place, leading to a feeling of pain while eating or drinking. Tooth decay causes weakening of both enamel and dentine. It begins when acids are formed by bacteria working on sugars that soften or demineralize the enamel. Bacteria within the mouth create acids after eating through the oxidation of sugar and food particles within the mouth. Tooth decay starts when the mouth’s pH is below $5.5$ . Due to the large number of problems that arise due to tooth decay, it becomes utmost important to take good care of teeth and this is immensely important to maintain overall health as well as plays an instrumental role in preventing dental cavities. A dental cavity occurs due to poor oral health and hygiene.

Note:
Tooth decay is a result of acids formed from the decomposition of sugars in the mouth. Thus, in mouth tooth decay occurs at acidic pH that is a pH of less than 7. When a pH of $5.5$ occurs in the mouth, the demineralization of teeth starts taking place posing a risk of cavities. You should maintain a neutral pH range for a healthy mouth.