Fluoride Experiment
This experiment simulates the protection power of fluoride.
What you’ll need
- 1 bottle of fluoride rinse
- 2 eggs
- 1 bottle of white vinegar
- 3 containers
What to do
Pour four inches of fluoride rinse solution into one of the containers and then place an egg in the solution. Let it sit for five minutes. Remove the egg. Pour four inches of vinegar into each of the remaining two containers. Put the egg that has been treated with the fluoride into one container of vinegar and the untreated egg in the other container of vinegar.
What will happen
One egg will start to bubble as the vinegar (an acid) starts to attack the minerals in the egg shell. Which egg do you think will start to bubble?
The fluoride becomes incorporated into the mineral shell of the egg, thereby protecting it from the acid. Fluoride from toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professional treatments protect the enamel (outer shell) of your teeth in the same manner. Your teeth are constantly under attack from acids in foods, drinks and bacteria naturally occuring in the mouth (plaque).
Acid Experiment
This experiment simulates an acid attack on bones (bones are rich with calcium, just like your teeth).
What you’ll need
- 2 clean chicken bones
- 1 container
- 1 bottle of white vinegar
What to do
Pour several inches of vinegar into the container. Soak the clean chicken bones in the vinegar overnight.
What will happen
Check out the bones after they’ve soaked in the vinegar overnight. Are they softer or harder? How do you think this relates to acid attacking teeth?
Be sure to throw the bones away after you have finished.