Get out your white lab coats and spiral notebooks because today we’re headed to chemistry class where your Wilmington holistic dentist is going to talk a little bit about your oral pH levels and how they can have an effect on your oral and overall health. Your oral pH can also give us clues as to other illnesses or diseases that might be present elsewhere in your body.
Every water-based solution has a pH level that can be used to measure its acidity or basicity levels. Findings are usually measured on a scale ranging from zero to 14, with zero being the most acidic, seven being neutral, and 14 is the most basic.
Here are a few examples of how some common liquids measure up in terms of their pH levels to give you a better understanding of how it all works.
0 = Battery Acid
1 = Stomach Acid
2 = Lemon Juice, Vinegar, Sodas
3 = Grapefruit and Orange Juices
4 = Tomato Juice, Beer
5 = Black Coffee, Pepto Bismol
6 = Milk, Saliva, Urine
7 = “Pure Water,” Blood
8 = Baking Soda, Seawater, Eggs
9 = Toothpaste, Hand Soap
10 = Milk of Magnesia, Dish Detergent
11 = Household Ammonia and Cleaners
12 = Hair Straighteners
13 = Bleach, Oven Cleaners
14 = Liquid Drain Cleaner, Caustic Soda
A mouth with pristine conditions will generally measure a pH level around 7 or maybe a little bit above, with little to no acidity present which is a good thing because once your mouth has too much acid in it, your teeth are in danger. Generally speaking, if the pH level in mouth reaches 5.5 or lower, there’s a greater risk that your teeth will become discolored and damaged over time, running the risk of them falling out later in life. Keeping your pH at 7.5 or above can actually help to re-mineralize your teeth, giving them added strength.
Some studies indicate that keeping track of your oral pH can also be helpful in the early detection of:
– Heart Disease
– Acid Reflux
– Diabetes
– Stroke
– High Cholesterol
– Alzheimer’s Disease
At our holistic dental office in Wilmington, we explain to patients that your mouth is a small ecosystem that’s working hard to balance both bad and good bacteria while facing challenges such as changes in our pH levels. Too much acid means harmful bacteria can create a welcome habitat for gum disease, bad breath, and cavities.
Maintaining a balanced pH in your mouth is vital to your health. Try always to drink plenty of water, avoid sugary or highly acidic foods, brush and floss regularly, and get plenty of rest.
Do you have questions or concerns about the pH levels in your mouth? Are you interested in having your oral pH levels tested? Remember, you can always contact our Wilmington holistic dental office with any questions you have or if there’s something you’d like to know more about. We’re ready to talk with you and help find the best ways to protect your smile and your wellbeing.
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!