Root caries acid dissolution is faster under which condition?

Root caries acid dissolution is faster under which condition?

• A. Higher pH
• B. Lower pH
• C. Neutral pH
• D. pH has no effect

Answer: (A)

Acid attack on root dentin and cementum occurs more rapidly as the environment becomes more acidic. Hydrogen ions from acids disrupt the mineral phase of dentin/cementum (hydroxyapatite), and the surface begins to demineralize once the pH falls below the tissue’s critical level (roughly around 6 or lower for root tissues). At higher or neutral pH, demineralization slows and remineralization can catch up, so dissolution is slower. Therefore, root caries acid dissolution happens fastest under more acidic conditions, i.e., lower pH.

Acid attack on root dentin and cementum occurs more rapidly as the environment becomes more acidic. Hydrogen ions from acids disrupt the mineral phase of dentin/cementum (hydroxyapatite), and the surface begins to demineralize once the pH falls below the tissue’s critical level (roughly around 6 or lower for root tissues). At higher or neutral pH, demineralization slows and remineralization can catch up, so dissolution is slower. Therefore, root caries acid dissolution happens fastest under more acidic conditions, i.e., lower pH.