Question

To protect against tooth decay, we are advised to brush our teeth regularly. The nature of toothpaste commonly used is _ _ _ _ _ _ in nature.
A.Basic
B.Neutral
C.Acidic
D.None of the above

Answer 1

We all know that we should brush our teeth regularly. We are advised by the dentist and our parents to brush regularly to prevent tooth decay. The nature of toothpaste can be checked by the $pH$ value. With the help of $pH$ value, we can determine the nature of toothpaste either acidic, basic, or neutral.

Complete step by step answer:
First, we will understand the concept of $pH$ value. It represents the potential of hydrogen and it is also represented as a scale to specify or categorize the acidity or basicity.
Now we will follow the basic norm of $pH$ value.
If the value of $pH$ is greater than $7$ that is $pH > 7$, then the solution is considered as basic.
If the value of $pH$ is equal to $7$ that is $pH = 7$, then the solution is considered as neutral.
If the value of $pH$ is less than $7$ that is $pH < 7$, then the solution is considered acidic.
The nature of toothpaste commonly used is basic. The $pH$ value is $6.83 \pm 1.27$. The $pH$ value of saliva is $6.2 - 7.6$ which is also considered as basic.
Tooth decay occurs when $pH$ of mouth is decreased to $5.5$ which is acidic and due to this reason we are advised to brush regularly as toothpaste is alkaline. It helps to maintain the $pH$.

Therefore, the correct option is (A).

Note:
Toothpaste is alkaline or basic. Basic soda helps in the prevention of tooth decay. It also helps in maintaining the neutrality of mouth.
An increase in fluoride ion concentration also leads to tooth decay.