How does the pH of saliva affect the health of your teeth?

One of the main protectors of oral health is the pH of the mouth. Under certain environmental conditions, bacteria in the mouth cannot grow and multiply, preventing most infections and cavities.

In this respect, saliva is responsible for maintaining a balanced pH in the mouth.. Through a function called the 'buffer mechanism', it regulates the pH level between the appropriate limits for the maintenance of oral health.

Do you know how salivary pH influences the health of teeth?? Follow these tips for a good maintenance of your mouth and at the same time take care of the health of your whole body.

What is pH?

The pH is a scale of values that indicates the level of acidity or alkalinity of a substance.. It is measured from 0 to 14, with zero being the most acidic level, 14 being the most alkaline level, and 7 being the neutral pH level.

The pH level 7 corresponds to that of pure water. It is considered to be the perfect balance between the two extremesalthough this exact value is never reached in the body.

Acidic substances such as wine, vinegar, fruit, or alkaline substances such as seawater, or antacid stomach products are common.

Since pH 7 is only found in pure water, it is impossible for the human body to be in complete balance. For example, human blood has a pH slightly higher than 7and is therefore alkaline. In contrast, the normal pH range of saliva is considered to be 5.6 to 7.9, so in some cases it may have a certain acidity.

Relationship between saliva pH and dental health

The mouth is an aqueous ecosystem due to the constant presence of saliva. However, saliva is exposed to the outside world and therefore needs some protection to prevent the entry and spread of other micro-organisms. and propagation of other external micro-organisms. micro-organisms.

As mentioned above, one of the functions of saliva, due to its buffering capacity, is to keep oral pH levels as stable as possible. When acidic foods and drinks are consumed, the pH drops, which can lead to demineralisation of tooth enamel.

This damage to the enamel favours the action of oral bacteria, which have better access to the dentine, or inside of the tooth. Also when consuming sugary foods, the bacteria metabolise the sugars, releasing acidswhich produce a decrease in pH and, therefore, a higher risk of demineralisation and caries.

Salivary pH and nutrition

The role of saliva in balancing the pH of the mouth can be affected by diet. Eating habits are currently the most influential factor in salivary pH imbalance.

The main habits include the following:

• Frequent intake of foods rich in sugars.
• Consumption of beverages with an acid pH, such as carbonated drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, coffee or alcohol.
• Prolong the time of consumption of these foods and beverages throughout the day, exposing the mouth to a constant effect of the acidity they provide.

As a consequence of the saliva's pH constantly out of its natural balance, teeth suffer from demineralisation. The enamel wears down more quickly, the teeth turn yellow, and the bacteria responsible for the formation of cavities have an increased risk of decay.n better access to the inside of the dentine.

If these habits are not corrected in time, the enamel cannot repair itself and it is necessary to go to the dentist to treat the caries and make a correct restoration of the affected enamel.

Balancing oral pH

What can we do to keep the pH of saliva in balance for healthy teeth?? While it is not always possible to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks, there are some measures that can help regulate salivary pH.

Feeding

Reduce consumption of acidic foods as much as possible consumption of acidic foods as much as possible.. If you drink a sugary soft drink or a high-acid beverage, do not drink it for a prolonged period of time, to reduce exposure time.

Drinking milk, unsweetened whipped cream or a fresh cheese after a meal helps to balance the pH of the saliva. balance the pH of saliva. Alkaline foods are excellent for finding the perfect balance in the mouth.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water, especially as a substitute for acidic drinks or as a complement to. Drinking water after a soft drink, coffee or wine removes acidic residues from the mouth and promotes salivary pH balance.

Oral hygiene

Do not brush your teeth immediately after after drinking a soft drink, fruit juice, beer or wine. The acidity of these drinks weakens the tooth enamel, and tooth sensitivity is more likely to occur.

Frequent consumers of acidic and sugary drinks and foods should use special oral hygiene products to care for the enamel. special oral hygiene products to care for the enamel, as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid wearing down the enamel.as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush so as not to wear it down.

Oral health care

It is common that when the pH of saliva is affected, dental sensitivity to external stimuli appears. sensitivity to external stimuli, such as hot or cold foods and drinks such as hot or cold foods and drinks, or during toothbrushing. The SensiKIN® Toothpaste Toothpaste is specially formulated to protect and strengthen sensitive and sensitive teeth., together with Mouthwash SensiKINSensiKIN Toothpaste works against dental hypersensitivity, prevents caries formation and cares for the health of the gingival tissue. They are products for daily use free of abrasive componentsThey respect and protect tooth enamel.

For more severe cases, if the tooth sensitivity is very high and brushing is painful, the SensiKIN gel can be applied locally to the affected area at soft .

On the other hand, the SensiKIN spray allows for convenient application at any time, especially in cases where fast action is needed.