Veillonella affects pH by:

Veillonella affects pH by:

• A. Lowers pH
• B. No effect
• C. Buffers environment
• D. Raises pH

Answer: (C)

Veillonella helps maintain pH in dental plaque by using the lactic acid produced by other, sugar-fermenting bacteria. It metabolizes lactate and converts it into weaker acids such as propionate and acetate, effectively removing a major source of acidity from the local environment. This removal of acid helps prevent sharp drops in pH, acting as a buffering influence that stabilizes the microenvironment rather than simply raising pH at a single moment. In the mouth, this buffering role can lessen enamel demineralization after sugar intake.

Veillonella helps maintain pH in dental plaque by using the lactic acid produced by other, sugar-fermenting bacteria. It metabolizes lactate and converts it into weaker acids such as propionate and acetate, effectively removing a major source of acidity from the local environment. This removal of acid helps prevent sharp drops in pH, acting as a buffering influence that stabilizes the microenvironment rather than simply raising pH at a single moment. In the mouth, this buffering role can lessen enamel demineralization after sugar intake.