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Calcium hydroxide (also known as slaked lime) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca (OH) 2. It is a colorless crystal or white powder that is formed when quicklime (calcium oxide) is mixed or slaked with water. It has many names, including hydrated lime, caustic lime, and forest lime. Calcium hydroxide is used in many applications including food preparation where it has been identified as E526. Lime water is the common name for a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide.
What is calcium hydroxide?
Calcium Hydroxide is an odorless white powder and is used in industrial settings such as wastewater treatment, papermaking, construction and food processing. It also has medical and dental applications. For example, root canal fillings often contain calcium hydroxide.
See also: What is limewater?
Calcium hydroxide – application
Calcium hydroxide is used in many different industries. It has its application, for example in:
- purification of beet juice in sugar industry;
- water softening;
- production of artificial fertilizers for agriculture;
- flue gas desulphurization in the power industry.
In addition, calcium hydroxide is used in the production of hair removal cosmetics. Calcium hydroxide with the addition of a small amount of water forms the so-called lime paste, which is a component of dental cement used as a base to fill the cavity, and a dressing in the tooth canal in case of tissue inflammation.
In the case of food, many compounds are used to improve the properties of food products. These are i.a. preservatives, dyes, emulsifiers, stabilizers and acidity regulators. This type of compound is calcium hydroxide with the designation E526. It is used as an acidity regulator, i.e. a substance that gives the final product an appropriate pH, as well as a texturizing compound, i.e. binding and hardening.
See also: Pediatricians warn against chemicals in baby food
In what products can you find calcium hydroxide?
Calcium hydroxide as a food additive can be found, for example, in:
- in jams, jellies, marmalades and other similar spreads including low calorie products as a texturing agent;
- in porridges and other cereal products for infants and young children only as an acidity regulator;
- in cocoa and chocolate products in an amount not exceeding 7% the lean mass of the product;
- in dietary foods for special medical purposes for infants;
- in canned peas;
- in fruit preserves;
- in modified milk;
- in beer.
Calcium hydroxide – dental use
Bones and teeth are biocomposites that require controlled deposition of minerals during their self-assembly to produce tissues with exceptional mechanical properties. Biominerals such as calcium and phosphate, synthetically produced or obtained from natural sources, therefore play an important role in preventing demineralization and assisting the remineralization of hard tooth tissues, as well as maintaining and maintaining the health of the pulp.
Calcium hydroxide and root canal treatment
Calcium hydroxide is the most commonly used dressing for the treatment of viable pulp. It also plays an important role as an inter-visit dressing in the disinfection of the root canal system. Calcium hydroxide cannot be classified as a conventional antiseptic, but it kills bacteria in the root canal space. Calcium hydroxide is a slow-acting antiseptic.
Calcium hydroxide not only kills bacteria but also reduces the effect of the remaining lipopolysaccharide cell wall material. It has a wide range of antimicrobial activity against common endodontic pathogens, but is less effective against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Calcium hydroxide is also an effective anti-endotoxin agent. However, its effect on microbial biofilms is controversial.
See also: Root canal treatment without secrets
Calcium hydroxide and sealant
To be therapeutically effective, the calcium hydroxide must be dissociated into Ca ++ and OH-. Therefore, to be effective, the calcium hydroxide endodontic sealant must dissolve and the solid loses its structure.
See also: Teeth will regenerate? This invention could be a breakthrough in dentistry
Calcium hydroxide to cover the tooth pulp
Calcium hydroxide is generally accepted as a pulp capping material. Histologically, under calcium hydroxide dressings, full bridging between the dentin and the healthy root pulp occurs. In the case of direct administration of calcium hydroxide to the pulp tissue, necrosis of the adjacent pulp tissue and inflammation of the adjacent tissues occurs. The dentin bridge is formed at the interface between necrotic and viable inflamed tissue. Below the necrosis area, the cells underlying the pulp tissue differentiate into odontoblasts and a complex dentin matrix.
See also: Tooth decay and its prevention
Calcium hydroxide and apexification
In the apexification technique, the canal is cleaned and disinfected, when the tooth is free from infection symptoms, the canal is drained and filled with a stiff mixture of calcium hydroxide and CMCP (Camphor Mono-Chlorophenol). Histologically, osteodentine formation occurs after the application of calcium hydroxide paste. There appears to be a differentiation of adjacent connective tissue cells; deposition of calcified tissue adjacent to the filling material also occurs.
Calcium hydroxide and pulpotomy
Calcium hydroxide is the most recommended pulpotomy agent in the pulp-affected living young permanent tooth with an incomplete apex. This is because it supports the restorative formation of dentin bridges and thus maintains the vitality of the pulp.
Calcium hydroxide – side effects and side effects
Calcium hydroxide is an exothermic product of calcium oxide and water. It has a strong alkaline pH and is used for many purposes, often under the more common name, slaked lime. The National Institutes of Health warns that calcium hydroxide is also toxic and can cause serious health problems from all kinds of exposure.
Consuming calcium hydroxide
According to the National Institutes of Health, accidental ingestion of calcium hydroxide can cause severe sore throat, burning sensation in the mouth, stomach pain, nausea, bloody stool or vomiting, dropping blood pressure sharply, and collapse. This type of poisoning can also make the blood pH too alkaline, which can damage organs.
In the event of accidental ingestion of calcium hydroxide, immediately contact the emergency services. Unless the casualty vomits or shows other symptoms that make swallowing difficult, or unless otherwise directed by a physician or specialist, make him drink water or milk immediately.
See also: Why does the body need water?
External exposure to calcium hydroxide
External exposure to calcium hydroxide can cause a variety of problems depending on the exact site of exposure and the strength of the calcium hydroxide solution. Skin contact can cause burns, painful irritation and necrosis, and eye contact can cause severe pain and loss of vision, which may be temporary or permanent.
In the event of contact of calcium hydroxide with the skin, remove contaminated clothing, wipe off the excess chemical, and rinse the affected skin several times with water. Victims of eye exposure to calcium hydroxide should flush their eyes with water continuously for the first 15 minutes, but in all cases of external exposure, medical attention should be sought immediately.
According to Absolute Astronomy, calcium hydroxide is commonly used in lye-free hair relax products; experts warn that improper use of these products can cause burning and damage to the hair and scalp.
Calcium hydroxide and inhalation
Inhaling calcium hydroxide through the nose or mouth can also cause immediate, painful, and potentially life-threatening complications. The throat and nasal passages can become painful and swollen, and the swelling can restrict the airways, making it difficult or impossible to breathe.
If the calcium hydroxide particles are transferred to the lungs, it can complicate breathing even more. Victims of this type of exposure should be immediately moved to fresh air and the emergency services should be called immediately. Oxygen may be required.
See also: What is oxygen therapy?