The pH level of your saliva is essential to how well your mouth responds to tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis. A low pH means you are at a higher risk for gum disease, but a high pH can accelerate the breakdown of tooth enamel and lead to more cavity development. Ideally, your pH level should be neutral.
When your mouth's pH becomes too acidic due to factors such as poor oral hygiene, your diet, or certain medications, you are prone to several oral health problems. An imbalanced pH can cause harmful bacteria in your mouth, resulting in swollen gums, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
What Causes Changes in Your pH Levels?
Many things can cause the pH in your mouth to change, including your diet. Eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks like soda and orange juice can shift the balance of good to harmful bacteria in your mouth and cause acid erosion. In addition, certain medications such as aspirin and some antibiotics can upset the balance between good and bad bacteria and cause pH changes.
You may have a pH imbalance if you notice a bad taste in your mouth or a burning sensation after eating certain foods. Some patients find that brushing too vigorously can also contribute to an altered pH level. This is why it’s important to brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Finally, salivary flow can also be affected by many factors that alter pH levels, including tobacco use, dehydration, health problems, and even some forms of birth control. All of these factors can contribute to the pH balance in your mouth.
Why Is pH Testing Necessary?
A low pH value can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. In contrast, a high pH level can mean too much calcium in the saliva, leading to enamel demineralization. It’s recommended to have your pH tested at least once per year. That way, you can confirm you’re maintaining your oral health by staying within an acceptable range of pH values.
At LALA Dental, we use two options to test a patient’s pH levels. The first option involves collecting a saliva sample from the patient using a swab. We then use a pH strip to measure the pH level of the saliva. The second option is to use a particular electronic device that measures the pH level of a patient’s saliva on the spot! This device is easy to use and doesn’t involve messy samples or strips.
To restore proper pH balance, talk to Dr. Meshkin about your oral health habits to see if they contribute to this issue. Visit LALADental at 895 Moraga Rd Suite 6, Lafayette, CA 94549, or call (925) 385-8858 for the best dental care.
