National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Get ready for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) with our comprehensive quizzes. Study using multiple-choice questions that come with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your dental hygienist exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

At which pH do root structures begin demineralization?

4.5-5.5
5.5-5.9
6.0-6.7
6.5-7.4

The correct answer is: 4.5-5.5

Demineralization of root structures begins at a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. This acidic environment leads to the dissolution of minerals, particularly hydroxyapatite, which is the primary mineral component of dental enamel and dentin. When the pH drops below this threshold, it indicates a more acidic condition that favors the loss of these minerals from the tooth structure. Demineralization is often influenced by factors such as bacterial activity, which produces acids as metabolic byproducts during the fermentation of fermentable carbohydrates. In dental hygiene, understanding the significant drop in pH is critical for preventing and managing caries, especially in individuals with exposed root surfaces where the cementum and dentin are more vulnerable to acidic challenges compared to enamel. The other ranges of pH presented in the choices represent conditions where demineralization either does not occur or happens at a slower rate. Therefore, identifying the correct pH range for initial demineralization is essential for dental professionals to implement preventive measures and educate patients effectively on oral health.