A physical model for the dissolution of calcium hydroxyapatite (HAP) is proposed. The experimentally observed self-inhibiting dissolution mechanism is modeled by using the scaled particle theory of hard disks. A Langmuir adsorption isotherm is proposed for the formation of a calcium-rich layer on the surface that constitutes a charged interface inhibiting dissolution. The model provides a quantitative explanation of a number of experimental facts. HAP is the main constituent of bone and dental inorganic tissues, and the proposed theory may constitute a new approach for studying related important phenomena like carious processes.