Tooth decay initiates when the pH of the mouth drops below 5.5. Tooth enamel, primarily composed of calcium hydroxyapatite, is susceptible to corrosion under acidic conditions.
What is the critical pH level at which tooth decay begins, and what component of teeth is particularly vulnerable to acidic conditions?
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The critical pH level at which tooth decay begins is approximately 5.5. At this pH, tooth enamel starts to demineralize, leading to the formation of cavities. The component of teeth particularly vulnerable to acidic conditions is hydroxyapatite, a crystalline structure in enamel made of calcium and phosphate ions. Acidic environments, often created by bacterial metabolism of sugars, weaken hydroxyapatite, causing the demineralization of enamel. Frequent exposure to acidic conditions, such as from sugary or acidic foods and beverages, can lead to the erosion of enamel and the initiation of tooth decay.