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

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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.

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