The Weight Losses of Intact Teeth in Different Buffers at Varying pH Values

Abstract

Intact teeth were placed in various buffer solns., mainly lactate and citrate. The teeth were weighed on an analytical balance. The expt. was carried out in a thermostat in 2 series, one at 37[degree]C, the other at 20[degree]. The analysis of the data indicates that the rate of dissolution is in the main a linear function of H-ion concn. Rise in temp. is an additional factor affecting dissolution. The initial lag period in the dissolution of tooth substance seems to represent a threshold necessary to overcome some kind of a biological barrier against acid diffusion through the denatured protein of the organic channels. With decreasing pH the dissolution steadily increases. When approaching neutrality, the buffer attack sinks asymptotically to zero; the slight dissolution may involve the carbonate fraction of the hard tooth structures. Powdered enamel is less soluble than is dentine, both passed through the same mesh screen.