How Saliva pH Affects Your Teeth
Posted on 4/26/2021 by office |
 Your vitals, height, and weight aren't the only measurements dentists and medical professionals take to assess your health. The pH levels throughout your body are just as important in maintaining your overall health. Your saliva pH plays a major role in maintaining optimal oral health, and acidic saliva can put you at risk of many health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
At Perrinville Family Dentistry, Gary J. Jacky, DMD and can guide you regarding different foods and habits that can positively alter you pH and boost your oral health.
What is pH?
The pH or potential of hydrogen is a numerical scale that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale ranges from 1-14, with readings 1-7 being acidic, 7 neutral, and 8-14 being alkaline. The lower the number, the more acidic the substance is. Likewise, any reading higher than 7 indicates the substance is alkaline.
The Importance of Regulating Saliva pH
Acidic saliva can cause significant damage to your oral health as it supports tooth erosion. When the acid in saliva reacts with calcium on the tooth's surfaces, it causes wear down, resulting in enamel loss, tooth decay, and cavities. Alkaline saliva pH levels help remineralize enamel and kill cavity-causing bacteria.
For a routine cleanup and dental exam, we recommend visiting Gary J. Jacky, DMD and at Perrinville Family Dentistry
How to Eliminate Acidic Saliva
The best way to create an alkaline pH environment in your mouth is by embracing an alkaline diet. This includes eating more vegetables, seeds, and beans. You should also limit bread and sugary foods because carbs take the form of starch or sugar. Lastly, you should reduce your intake of alcohol, coffee, dairy, and artificial sweeteners, as all these products are acidic.
At Perrinville Family Dentistry, Gary J. Jacky, DMD or can perform a thorough oral exam and devise an alkaline eating pattern suitable to your needs. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (425) 616-0620 today.
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(425) 616-0620 
Gary J. Jacky, DMD