Which of the following properties is true for a tooth paste

• GC Acids Bases Salts

Which of the following properties is true for a tooth paste?

1. It is acidic.
2. It is neutral.
3. It is basic.
4. It is made up of calcium phosphate, the material of tooth enamel.

Answer

In the mouth, bacteria produce acid which dissolves enamels. Therefore, to prevent acid formation toothpastes are used. The main job of a toothbrush and toothpaste is to remove plaque, a thin film formed by bacteria on the teeth and gums.

Calcium phosphate (Ca₃(PO)₄) is basic salt with which enamel is made of. It is a salt of weak acid (phosphoric acid) and slightly stronger base (calcium hydroxide). Also, when pH of the mouth falls below 5.5 due to eating of sweets, the mouth is acidic, the dissolution of enamel (calcium phosphate) starts which shows that calcium phosphate is basic in nature.

The correct option is C.