Regulating Your Saliva pH In The Mouth

The food and drink you consume change the pH level of saliva. What is pH? It is a scientific term referring to the level of acidity in a substance, usually from food and drink. To understand the scale of acid and alkaline, zero indicates a high acidic value, with fourteen a high alkaline value. Seven is the borderline balance of both, and seven is also the pH level of pure water.

When your acidity levels reach above seven, this indicates a high amount of acid in your blood, damaging chemical processes that allow the human body to function. This introduces chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infections and high blood pressure. It is essential that you maintain your pH saliva levels because they’re important to your overall health, which also includes your oral health.

SalivaHow Your Saliva pH Levels Impact Your Oral Health

The pH level of the mouth impacts your oral health and will also impact your saliva. An imbalance of pH can cause your saliva to become acidic. Fundamentally, if your saliva pH does become acidic, it will damage your teeth and gums. Your saliva pH significantly impacts your oral health even before it gets to damage your overall health. This is because you’re in control of the food and drink you consume in the mouth and, depending on saliva pH levels, you need to be mindful of the acidic intake of what you consume.

Your recommended pH level is around 7.4, which indicates pure water. When the acidic levels are tipped to an imbalance because of further acidic consumption, it can demineralize your tooth enamel.  When your mouth experiences demineralisation, this causes enamel erosion, meaning the underlying dentin is exposed, causing sensitivity in consuming hot and cold drinks and sugar, and the enamel’s tubules will cause sensitivity in the mouth because the nerves and cells in the tooth will become exposed.

What is understandably difficult for some people with chronic health conditions is the difficulty in maintaining a perfect saliva pH level. This can cause acid reflux that damages teeth significantly.

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Tips To Reduce Acidic Saliva In The Mouth

Ultimately, you want to ensure that you do your research on the acidic levels of the food and drink you consume, but we can help. Below outline of what you need to do to reduce the acidic level of your saliva and return to the perfect balance.

  • Eat More Vegetables – Vegetables are alkaline and will help neutralise the acid in your saliva level. Spinach, green beans, broccoli and kale, are all great sources.
  • Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine – Alcohol and Coffee are acidic. You need to drop that glass of wine or spirit and replace it with water because water plays an important role in strong oral health.
  • Avoid Diet Products – You may think those diet products contain zero natural sugars, which is correct. Although, artificial sweeteners are just as bad and high in acidic content.
  • Replace Carbohydrates With Proteins – Carbohydrates contain sugar and starch that lower your pH levels. It is recommended that you maintain a balanced diet containing plant-based foods to grasp those sources of protein and nutrients to protect your enamel.

Need further support and oral advice on your saliva? Read here to uncover the foods you should eat to keep your teeth strong. We are also here to help. Contact us at Pennant Hills for a check-up! Simply click here now to check yourself in.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Any reliance you place on the information provided in these blogs is, therefore, strictly at your own risk. We shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the information provided on this website.

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