Did you know that mouth pH is important for oral health? It’s true! When the pH balance of your mouth falls out of whack, it can lead to all kinds of dental problems, including tooth decay. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of mouth pH and how to maintain a healthy balance. Let’s get started!
What Is Mouth pH?
Mouth pH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline your mouth is. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline.
At its optimum level, mouth pH should be between 6.5 and 7.4. This is considered a neutral range because it’s neither too acidic nor alkaline. It’s at this level that your mouth has its best protection against bacteria and other microbes that can cause tooth decay.
Why Is Mouth pH Important?
When the pH level in your mouth is too low (acidic), it means that the environment is favorable for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems, such as gum disease and cavities.
On the other hand, if the pH level is too high (alkaline), it can cause an increase in dental erosion. This is when the enamel of your teeth wears away due to the acidity, leading to sensitivity and other issues.
How Can You Maintain a Healthy Mouth pH?
Fortunately, there are several ways you can help maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top ones below.
Brushing and Flossing Regularly
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day can help remove plaque, bacteria, and other microbes from your mouth. This helps to keep its pH level balanced.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important for maintaining a healthy oral pH. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth clean and reduce the chances of bacteria thriving in it.
Limiting Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and even fruit juices can be detrimental to your oral pH levels. That’s because they create an acidic environment in which bacteria can thrive. Try to limit your consumption of these drinks and opt for plain water instead.
How Do You Know What Your Mouth pH Is?
The best way to determine your oral pH is through a simple saliva test. You can purchase a pH testing strip and then follow the instructions on the package to test your saliva. The results of the test will tell you whether your mouth is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.
In some cases, your dentist or dental hygienist’s office will also offer pH testing. This can be a more accurate way of testing because it often involves using special equipment to measure your saliva’s acidity level.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are a number of reasons mouth pH is important for oral health, so you should do your best to keep its balance in check. Doing so can have a positive impact on your oral health, and help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come!
At Hale Wellness Dental Studio, we offer complimentary oral pH testing and tracking services at every visit to help you keep your pH in check. If you’re interested in making an appointment, click here to get in touch with us today!