Maintaining good oral health is about more than just brushing and flossing every day. While a good daily oral hygiene regimen and bi-annual teeth cleanings are the essential foundations of dental health, the buck doesn’t stop there.
The foods you eat and your stress levels (as well as other factors), can all have either a positive or negative impact on the overall health of your mouth. In this post, we’ll discuss the pH balance of saliva and the role it plays in maintaining good dental health.
What is pH balance?
The letters pH are an acronym for the term potential of hydrogen. It is used to define the acidity or alkalinity levels of a substance. The pH scale ranges from 1 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). A substance is considered “neutral” if it has a pH level of 7.
The pH level of a substance is neither good nor bad in and of itself. For example, lemons and water are both great for our overall health. But the pH level of lemon juice is 3 (acidic), while the pH level of water is 7 (neutral).
What should the pH of your saliva be?
When it comes to oral health, the pH level of your saliva is quite important. Saliva contains essential minerals, electrolytes, and enzymes that help strengthen tooth enamel, fight plaque build-up, and aid in the digestion process. If the pH of your saliva is too acidic or too alkaline, it can create an imbalance of these properties.
So what is the ideal pH of your saliva? The normal pH range of saliva is 6.2 to 7.6. What you eat or drink can have an impact on this level. For example, if you are consuming highly acidic foods and beverages, the pH level of your mouth naturally becomes more acidic. High acidity can lead to dental issues such as enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Eating foods that are more alkaline in nature, like leafy green vegetables and root vegetables, can help balance this acidity. Drinking water during and after you eat can also help balance pH levels in your mouth. Have you ever wondered why wine and cheese are a great pairing? It’s not just because they are delicious together. The pH of most wines falls around 3 to 4 while most cheeses are between 5 and 6.7. With the pH of wine and cheese combined, your mouth stays in balance.
What are the signs of pH imbalance?
Common signs of a pH imbalance in your mouth can include:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Canker sores
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Dental caries (cavities)
Family Dentist in Flagstaff, Arizona
Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding tobacco products, and living an overall healthy lifestyle will all help maintain a balanced pH of your saliva, which will lead to a healthy mouth. If you are experiencing bad breath, tooth sensitivity, or have any other concerns about your oral health, schedule an appointment to see us right away. Our caring and compassionate team at Country Club Dental are here to help keep your smile healthy and bright!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use. Photo by Tirza van Dijk on Unsplash (9/14/2020)
