PH

The pH of our saliva has a great impact on our oral health especially the health of our teeth. pH is the acidity or alkalinity of the saliva. It ranges on a scale of 1 to 14. Something that has a low number is very acidic and something that is very basic or alkaline has a higher number. Our tooth surface absorbs minerals in the saliva to keep it strong at a more alkaline number. Tooth enamel (the outer surface of the enamel) dissolves at a pH of 5.5. If we brush our teeth with fl- then we can make our teeth more resistant to acid and lower the dissolving rate of enamel to 4.5 (it takes a stronger acid to dissolve our enamel).

Bacteria in the mouth function best in a slightly more acidic environment at a pH of 6.8. If we can help our mouths stay slightly alkaline, we can influence which bacteria become expressed predominantly in our mouths and we can influence the healthiness of our enamel. Most bottled beverages in the store are acidic. Bottled water from the store tends to be around 5.4 and soda pop ranges from 2.8 to 4.0. Tap water and milk are alkaline and are a healthier choice for our teeth and for the pH of our mouths. If we feed our mouths sugary substances or sodas we make our mouths acidic, which can dissolve our enamel on our teeth and help bad bacteria thrive.

What can you do? You can eat things that make our mouths more alkaline. Spinach, cheese, protein, seafood, and nuts all are very helpful for the mouth. You can brush your teeth with a little baking soda added to your toothpaste. Baking soda has a pH of 9. I do this by placing my favorite tooth paste on a toothbrush and then dipping it in a little cup of dry baking soda powder each night. I brush brush brush, and then spit spit spit, but I do not rinse out at night. Also there are chocolate chews called Basic Bites that have calcium and arginine to increase oral pH. They can be purchased online.

In conclusion, the pH of our mouth is very important for the health of our teeth. Avoid sugary snacks and acidic beverages. Evaluate your diet and consider snacking on foods that strengthen teeth. And lastly consider using baking soda, basic bites, or prescription fl- toothpaste to protect your teeth.