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How does fluoride prevent tooth decay

Tooth enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth, is 98% hydroxyapatite (Ca5(P04)30H). Although quite insoluble K p = 6.8 x 10 in water), demineralization, which is the dissolving of hydroxyapatite, does occur especially when the saliva contains acids. The reverse reaction, remineralization, also occurs. Remineralization is the re-depositing of tooth enamel. When hydroxyapatite is in solution with fluoride ions, a double-replacement reaction can occur. Fluoride ion replaces the hydroxide ion to form fluoroapatite (Ca5(P04)3p, /Cjp = 1 X 10 °). Fluoroapatite remineralizes the tooth enamel, thus partially displacing hydroxyapatite. Because fluoroapatite is less soluble than hydroxyapatite, destructive demineralization is reduced. [Pg.583]

Write the equation for the dissolving of hydroxyapatite and its equilibrium constant expression. How do the conditions in the mouth differ from those of a true equilibrium  [Pg.583]

Write the equation for the double-replacement reaction that occurs between hydroxyapatite and sodium fluoride. [Pg.583]

Calculate the solubility of hydroxyapatite and fluoroapatite in water. Compare the solubilities. [Pg.583]

What is the ion product constant (Ojp) for the reaction if 0.00050M NaF is mixed with an equal volume of 0.000015M Ca5(P04)30H Will a precipitate form (re-mineralization)  [Pg.583]


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