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Simple Ways to Help Make Sure You Maintain Proper pH Levels in Your Mouth |
Posted on 2/22/2021 by SmileCOS Dentistry |
| You probably do not spend much time thinking about your saliva. However, your saliva helps maintain good oral health in many different ways. One of these ways is by balancing acids that can damage your teeth and contribute to cavities and other dental issues. In order to successfully neutralize acids in your mouth, your saliva needs to maintain a proper pH level of roughly 6.2 to 7.6. Here are some ways you can make sure that the pH of your saliva stays at the correct level. Limit Your Consumption of Acids Acidic foods and beverages lower the pH level of your saliva, which can erode your enamel. Enamel erosion makes your teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities, as well as staining and sensitivity. It is best to avoid exposing your teeth to acids as much as possible, so try cutting down on sports drinks, soda, coffee, black tea, red wine, vinegar, and citrus fruits. If you do not want to eliminate acidic beverages from your diet completely, you should make sure to sip them through a straw to reduce their contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with water after drinking something acidic. You should also wait 30 minutes or more before brushing your teeth so you do not spread the acid across your teeth. Consuming a lot of sugar and starch can also lower your saliva's pH level. Oral bacteria feeds on sugar and produces acid as a by-product, which means that a high sugar intake inevitably leads to acid erosion as well. Drink Plenty of Water Drinking a lot of water is necessary for healthy saliva production and pH level. Chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a contributing factor for numerous oral health issues including gum disease, bad breath, and yeast infections. Plus, when you do not produce enough saliva, the pH level of your mouth is likely to become more acidic, putting your teeth at risk. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco Both excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use of any kind are known to dry out your mouth. These habits also put you at risk of developing many serious health conditions, including oral health issues like gum disease and mouth cancer. Even using alcohol-based mouthwash on a daily basis can interfere with the pH level of your saliva, so it is best to switch to a mouth rinse that does not contain alcohol. Talk to us about how to maintain a proper oral pH level at your next appointment.... Read more... |
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