Here is the link to my infographic!

https://infograph.venngage.com/publish/1c588626-6096-4457-9910-3cafbc3c6ba9

Madi Jones
Chemistry 5th
6/5/17

Chemical Equilibrium Project: Tooth Decay

Chemical Equilibrium:
It is very important for our teeth to be at equilibrium so they dont decay. In order to
understand when our teeth are at equilibrium, you need to first understand what chemical
equilibrium is. According to Chemistry Libre Texts, chemical equilibrium is described as, the
state in which the reactants and products will not change with time while both are present in
concentrations. Chemical reactions can be reversible. When a reaction is going forwards and
backwards at the same time there is no visible change because they are changing at the same
rate. You know that a system is at equilibrium when it shows no change and stays undisturbed.
Chemical equilibrium is one of the few types of equilibrium, there is also mechanical equilibrium
and thermal equilibrium. Chemical equilibrium applies to tooth decay though because it has to
do with the chemical makeup of our teeth. Chemistry Libre Texts is a credible source because it
is an online textbook resource.1

Tooth Decay Definition and Causes:

When you apply this concept to human teeth it means that, our teeth will stay healthy
and at a good pH level if the level of bacteria is kept in control by taking proper care of your
teeth. Tooth decay is caused by the formation of cavities and the demineralization of teeth.
Demineralization is caused by acids from plaque. Plaque feeds on the sugars in the foods that
you consume on a daily basis. After just a short period of 20 minutes after consuming food,
plaque can start to thrive off of the sugar leftover from the food. If you notice a white spot on
your teeth, it is an early sign of tooth decay. The furthering of the tooth decay can be stopped or
the tooth decay can be stopped at this point. You can avoid the plaque creating cavities by
brushing and flossing your teeth and using fluoride. Fluoride is a very helpful tool for avoiding
tooth decay. It can stop tooth decay from happening and it can also reverse tooth decay.
Fluoride replaces lost minerals and reduces the ability for acid to form from bacteria.2

1"11.1: Introduction to Chemical Equilibrium - Chemistry Libre Texts." 1 Mar. 2017,

https://chem.libretexts.org/Textbook_Maps/General_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Map
%3A_Chem1_(Lower)/11%3A_Chemical_Equilibrium/11.1%3A_Introduction_to_Chemical_Equil
ibrium. Accessed 4 Jun. 2017.
2"The Tooth Decay Process: How to Reverse It and Avoid ... - NIDCR - NIH." 1 Jul. 2016,
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/OralHealthInformation/ChildrensOralHealth/ToothDecayProcess.htm.
Accessed 4 Jun. 2017.
Tooth Decay at Equilibrium:
Now that you know what tooth decay is and what chemical equilibrium is, you can
understand what it means for teeth to be at equilibrium. The chemical equation for tooth decay
is Ca5(PO4)3(OH)5Ca2+3PO43- +OH-. Ca5(PO4)3(OH) is the chemical formula for
hydroxyapatite, which is one of the main things that make up our teeth and bones.
Hydroxyapatite makes up for 70% of the tissue under the enamel. If the pH in
someones mouth gets lower than 5.5, tooth decay can start because small amounts of
calcium and phosphate ions start to dissolve once the pH drops below 5.5. Foods like
strawberries have a pH level of 4. The saliva in our mouth ranges from 6.2 to 7.4 pH.
Our saliva has chemical compounds in it that help resist pH change. By resisting the
change, it keeps our mouth at a happy balance. This happy balance is referred to as
equilibrium. So even when you are eating acidic foods, your mouth is working against
them to keep your mouth at equilibrium. Also you can help create tooth decay at
equilibrium by using fluoride to help restore the calcium and phosphate ions back to
hydroxyapatite. 3

Tooth Decay Statistics:

3"What Causes Tooth Decay and How to Naturally ... - Cure Tooth Decay."
http://www.curetoothdecay.com/Tooth_Decay/tooth_decay_overview.htm. Accessed 5 Jun. 2017.
This graph shows the trend of tooth decay among 12 year olds over the last 40 years.
We can see the trends of 8 different countries, over the last 40 years all 8 countries
have seen a decline in children with decayed, missing, or filled teeth. This is good
information because it shows that more people are becoming educated on the effects of
tooth decay and how they can avoid it. Children are learning different techniques on
how to take care of their teeth. Oral health is becoming a bigger focus in the 8
countries.4

4"Tooth Decay Trends in Fluoridated vs ...." http://fluoridealert.org/studies/caries01/. Accessed 5 Jun.

2017.