Consider the following statements: 1. Dental caries or tooth decay begins when bacteria acting on sugars produce alcohol that soften or demineralise the enamel. 2. Dental caries or tooth decay begins when bacteria acting on sugars produce acetone that soften or demineralise the enamel. 3. Dental caries or tooth decay begins when bacteria acting on sugars produce acids that softens or demineralise the enamel. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Dental caries

• Tooth enamel is made of calcium phosphate, the hardest substance in the body, and it does not dissolve in water but is corroded when the pH in the mouth falls below 5.5.
• The bacteria present in the mouth act on the sugar and food particles left after eating and produce acids, which lower the pH and demineralise the enamel, causing tooth decay. Hence, statement 3 is correct and statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
• Cleaning the teeth with toothpastes, which are generally basic, neutralises the excess acid and prevents tooth decay.
• Therefore, only one statement is correct.