Question

The bacteria present on uncleaned teeth convert the sugar in food into a substance X which causes tooth decay. Name the substance X . Which part of the teeth does it affect? 

Answer 1

There are several kinds of bacteria which are present in a tooth which is unhygienic or is not clean, the role of the bacteria is to convert the sugar or the leftover food in the tooth into a lactic acid.

When the acid is formed it decays the enamel on the tooth and this also affects dentin. Another bacteria which is produced in the tooth is known as plaque which affects the enamel of the tooth too.

Answer 2

When we eat food containing sugar, then the bacteria present in our mouth break down, the sugar into acids such as lactic acid.
--->Thus, substance X is lactic acid which is formed in the mouth after we eat food containing sugar.

---->This acids lowers the pH in the mouth making it acidic.

---> Our tooth enamel is made up of calcium phosphate, which is the hardest material in our body, but even it starts getting corroded when the pH in the mouth is lower than 5.5

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THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY IS :
1. Clean the mouth thoroughly after eating food.
2.By brushing teeth twice in a day using toothpaste which is basic in nature.
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