Do you know that the Power of Hydrogen or pH scale plays an integral role in your oral health? Just ask your biological and holistic family dentist in Wilmington, and they’ll be sure to tell you the same thing. Let’s talk about why it’s important and what pH balance means for your smile health.
What Exactly is pH?
When we talk about pH measures, we’re generally referring to how much acid or alkaline (basic) something is. You might remember learning about this in science class, using thin test strips that would show you where an item rated on the pH scale from one to 14. Starting with number one, this would indicate the most acidic substance compared to 14, which is the most basic. Guess what substance falls in the middle at number seven? It’s water!
Why Does pH Affect My Smile?
Somewhere around the 5.5 rating on the pH scale, acid can be harmful to your teeth. As your Wilmington biological and holistic family dentist can tell you, acids just love to eat away at your precious tooth enamel, causing decay and deterioration. When these harmful acids are not washed away from brushing your teeth, they’re allowed to linger, which makes them even more destructive to your oral health.
How Can I Help Protect My Teeth?
We recommend steering clear of things like coffees, sodas, and sugary drinks when you can. If you choose one of these items, then always make sure to rinse your mouth with water to help clear teeth of any acidic leftovers. There are also certain foods and over-the-counter products that can help to support healthy pH levels in your mouth. There are mouthwashes specifically designed to slow the rate of how calcium phosphate is deteriorated by acidic buildup. This vital mineral is found in your tooth’s enamel, cementum, and dentin layers.
You can also stock up on these neutralizing options to help protect your smile from acid damage:
As your holistic and biological family dentist in Wilmington, we are always looking out for both your oral and overall health. We will monitor and assess the pH levels in your mouth to account for any change in its conditions. There are specific changes to your diet or overall health that can affect your oral pH balance, so it’s always essential to keep us updated with any changes to your regular health routine. If you have any questions about your oral health and would like to consult with one of Wilmington’s most trusted biological and holistic family dentists, give us a call. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule you and your family for a visit.
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!