Acids, Bases, Universal Indicator, the pH Scale and the Impact on Tooth Decay Mariam Al Thani 7A
pH Scale The pH scale measures if something is an acid or a base on a scale of 1 to 14. Acids have a pH less than 7 Bases have a pH greater than 7 A pH of 7 is neutral
pH and saliva pH of saliva is between 6 and 7 If the pH is 6, then it is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 7 pH can be tested with universal indicator Color change with pH change
Acids & Bases Acids taste sour Bases taste bitter Bases feel slimy Acids and bases react with each other
Acids and Tooth Decay Cavities are formed when bacteria in plaque produce acids The bacteria that causes tooth decay feed on sugars It is important to brush your teeth after eating
Toothpaste and Tooth Decay Fluoride in toothpaste and water helps to prevent tooth decay Fluoride attaches to teeth and makes teeth reform calcium lost to acids from bacteria