Is Saliva Acidic?
Saliva has a pH level between 6.2-7.6 in the mouth, which differs from the stomach’s acidic pH level of 1-2. A healthy mouth typically has a higher pH level, making it more alkaline than acidic.
The balance of acid and base in the mouth is important for oral health, affecting susceptibility to tooth decay and ability to combat harmful bacteria leading to gum disease. Consuming acidic foods can have a temporary impact on tooth enamel erosion by increasing saliva acid levels or lowering mouth pH.
Studies have shown a correlation between individuals with chronic gum disease and acidic pH levels in their mouths, while those with gingivitis tend to have alkaline pH levels. Working with your dentist to address these issues can help stabilize your saliva pH.
What is the importance of monitoring the pH of saliva?
Maintaining a balanced pH in your mouth is essential for oral health. Consuming acidic beverages can reduce the pH of saliva to below 5.5, potentially causing demineralization of tooth enamel due to the acids in the mouth.
Thinning tooth enamel can lead to dentin exposure, causing sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary drinks and discomfort while consuming them.
Some foods and drinks that are known to have acidic properties include:
- soft drinks (pH 3)
- white wine (pH 4)
- American cheese (pH 5)
- cherries (pH 4)
What is the method for determining the pH of saliva?
In order to check the acidity level of your saliva, you can purchase pH strips from a pharmacy or online. To determine the pH level, use a pH strip and follow the provided instructions:
- Refrain from consuming any food or beverages at least two hours before the test.
- Gather saliva in your mouth and then decide whether to swallow or spit it out.
- Fill your mouth with saliva again before applying a small amount onto a pH strip.
- The color of the pH strip changes based on the acidity or alkalinity of saliva. The color chart on the packaging of the pH strips can be used to match the color of your strip and determine the pH level of your saliva.
What are ways to maintain a balanced pH in the mouth?
It is recommended to consume a variety of foods and drinks to maintain proper saliva pH levels in your mouth, rather than restricting yourself to those with a neutral pH. Restricting your diet may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients and vitamins, which could potentially impact your overall health.
Consider adjusting your eating and drinking habits to support your body’s requirements, such as:
- Avoid sugary soft drinks: If you choose to drink sugary beverages, drink them quickly and follow up with water to stay hydrated. Do not drink the sweet beverages slowly for an extended period of time.
- Avoid black coffee: Using dairy instead of sugary creamer can help balance the acidity.
- Don’t brush: Dentists suggest waiting before brushing your teeth after consuming highly acidic beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juices, cider, wine, or beer. Drinks that can weaken enamel may lead to further damage if brushing is done immediately after.
- Chew gum: Chewing sugarless gum, particularly with xylitol, after consuming acidic foods or drinks is suggested. This helps to increase saliva production, which aids in restoring pH balance. Xylitol is believed to have properties that can prevent bacteria from adhering to teeth and encourage saliva production.
- Stay hydrated: Consume water with a pH level of 7.