5. Is sugar candy really bad for your teeth? Tooth decay is the result of the dissolving of tooth enamel, Ca5(PO4);OH(s). In the mouth the following equilibrium is established: Ca(PO,,OH 5 Ca, + 3 PO,...

Extracted text: 5. Is sugar candy really bad for your teeth? Tooth decay is the result of the dissolving of tooth enamel, Ca5(PO4);OH(s). In the mouth the following equilibrium is established: Ca(PO,,OH 5 Ca, + 3 PO, + OH", (N) a) When sugar ferments on the teeth, H*ion is produced. What effect does this increased H+' ion have on tooth enamel? b) How would increased concentrations of Ca*2 ions influence this system in chemical equilibrium? Suggest a method to increase the Ca* ion concentration in your body. c) Research has indicated that if teeth are bathed in solutions containing appropriate amounts of Sr*2 ions or F ions, the dissolving process may be reversed. Suggest an explanation for these findings.