Shifts in the proportions of bacteria within the dental plaque from healthy to unhealthy occur following fluctuations in environmental pH. When we eat, the pH in plaque can fall rapidly to below pH 5.0 through the production of acids (predominately lactic acid) as the bacteria metabolize (eat) the ingested nutrients.
Is dental plaque acidic?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink. These acids can destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities and gingivitis (gum disease). Plaque can also develop under the gums on tooth roots and break down the bones that support teeth.
How does plaque make acid?
The bacteria in plaque use the sugar and starch in what you eat and drink to make acids. The acids begin to eat away at the minerals on your enamel. Over time, the plaque can harden into tartar. Besides damaging your teeth, plaque and tartar can also irritate your gums and cause gum disease.
What acid is produced by dental plaque?
All plaque samples from the 25 subjects produced detectable levels of lactic acid and the levels initiated from fructose were significantly higher than those from xylitol (Figure 1).
What is the pH of plaque before eating?
The usual resting plaque pH value is between 6 and 7.
What is the pH of dental plaque?
Shifts in the proportions of bacteria within the dental plaque from healthy to unhealthy occur following fluctuations in environmental pH. When we eat, the pH in plaque can fall rapidly to below pH 5.0 through the production of acids (predominately lactic acid) as the bacteria metabolize (eat) the ingested nutrients.
What pH will damage teeth?
A pH of 7 is neutral – the pH of pure water is very close to 7. At a pH of 5.5 the teeth begin to demineralize, putting them at risk for cavities.
Why does the hole in my tooth hurt?
Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth pain, and it has several degrees of severity. Cavities are holes in the teeth that penetrate the tooth enamel and underlying dentin and which can lead to tooth pain.
Why do my teeth get plaque so quickly?
Common foods that contribute to plaque formation and growth include those containing carbohydrates, or simple sugars, such as sucrose and starches, found in soft drinks and candy. Eating foods high in sugar like cakes, sweets, and fruit can cause an increase in plaque bacteria.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Tartar is what accumulates on your teeth when plaque is not removed. If plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it will harden into tartar and is much more difficult to remove. In fact, tartar can only be removed by a dental professional–you can’t get rid of it with regular brushing and flossing.
Is plaque lactic acid?
Lactic acid or lactate is produced by cariogenic bacteria within dental plaque attached to the surface of a tooth. … The lactic acid is secreted from the cariogenic bacterial cells into the dental plaque. Lactate lowers the pH in the dental plaque and over the surface of the tooth that the dental plaque is attached to.
Why is there no oxygen in the plaque between your teeth?
THIS is when it changes. The development of old plaque (18 hours or more) allows the growth of really bad bacteria. We call these bacteria “anaerobic”, which means they thrive best when there is no oxygen around. There is no oxygen underneath thick, old plaque.
What is dental plaque made up of?
Plaque is a sticky substance made from leftover food particles and saliva that mix in your mouth. If you don’t brush properly after meals, it begins to form and build up on your teeth. This is problematic because plaque contains bacteria, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Should your mouth be acidic or alkaline?
Ideally, the more alkaline you can make your saliva, the better your oral health will be. Alkaline pH levels in the mouth of 7.5 or higher will help to remineralize enamel and fight against cavity-causing bacteria.
How does pH affect tooth enamel?
So, the pH of anything you put in your mouth can affect your teeth, gums, and tongue. Most importantly, acidic pH levels lead to demineralization. Your enamel starts to demineralize when exposed to a pH level of about 5.5. And that can cause many oral issues, including tooth sensitivity and decay.
How does acid affect tooth enamel?
Foods and beverages that are high in acids wear away the enamel that protects your teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. This changes the appearance of your teeth and opens the door for bacteria that can cause cavities or infection.