Demineralization of enamel occurs when the critical pH of 5.5 is reached.In interproximal areas or in deep pits and fissures,the pH can decrease to 5 and remain at that pH for 30 minutes.

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The first statement is true; the second is false.In interproximal areas or deep pits and fissures,the pH can decrease to 4 and remain at that pH for an hour.Note that the effect increases as the number of exposures increase.Cumulatively,more than 2 hours of acid exposure in 1 day is considered high.The general mechanism is that after consumption of a carbohydrate,metabolism by salivary amylase begins within 2 to 3 minutes and can persist for hours.Concentration of the resultant acids escalates as carbohydrate intake continues.The pH of acids produced by bacteria in plaque biofilm is eventually neutralized (increases to about 7)after elimination of cariogenic foods as saliva exerts its protective action.

Demineralization of Enamel Occurs When the Critical PH of 5