Saliva pH: what it is and why it matters

Just as doctors take different measurements to evaluate our health, dentists do. Although not everyone knows the importance of saliva pH, it plays a fundamental role in dental health, so we must learn to balance it.

What's the pH of the saliva?

The pH measures the acidity of saliva on a scale from 0 to 14, where values below 7 represent an acidic substance and, above, an alkaline substance. According to experts, the normal pH of saliva is relatively neutral, between 6.7 and 7.4.

Saliva is composed of 99% water and the remaining 1% represents molecules and organic and inorganic substances; among these components is bicarbonate, which is responsible for neutralizing the pH of acidic foods and corroding bacteria.

Why is saliva pH important?

Like the rest of the body, the mouth requires a balanced pH to function properly.

When the pH of the saliva drops, an imbalance is created that demineralizes the enamel of the teeth and exposes the dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubes that communicate with the pulp where the nerves are, so that the teeth are more exposed and the dental sensitivity.

On the other hand, studies have shown that exposure to alkaline substances can also erode enamel and cause cavities, hence the importance of maintaining the pH of neutral saliva, neither very acidic nor very alkaline.

Factors affecting saliva pH

When periodontal diseases occur, acidification of saliva may be observed. In addition, there are other factors that affect the pH level of saliva, such as:

• Intake of foods and beverages containing or containing sugar.
• Tobacco.
• A bad oral hygiene. We tell you our tips for good oral hygiene.
• Descent of salivary flow due to stress.
• Decreased salivary flow due to medications.
• Presence of Helicobacter pylori.

How does the pH of saliva affect dental health?

Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it can wear out due to the acidity of saliva. In particular, a pH below 5.5 begins to break down the enamel and causes permanent damage.

A common sign of worn enamel is the yellow tone of teeth, but this results in other dental problems, such as:

• More likely to develop cavities.
• Dental sensitivity to sugars, heat or cold.
• Fissure appearance on the upper edge of the teeth.

None of the above problems are fixed by itself and the intervention of a dentist will be necessary to treat them.

How to change the pH of saliva?

The pH of saliva can vary greatly, not only throughout a person's life, but even within the same day. This is mainly due to what we consume and our habits.

The intake of sugary or acidic foods, for example, can make saliva more acidic. If we want to counteract this acidity, we should rinse our mouth after eating or drinking and it is even recommended to stimulate salivary flow.

Just as there are more acidic foods than others, so there are alkaline foods, and the ideal is to maintain a balance.

How to measure the pH of the mouth?

Although many people don't stop to think about the pH of their saliva, knowing it can give you an indication of your dental health and encourage you to take a stand on the matter. For this, it is best to consult with a dentist.

The most commonly used methods for measuring the pH of the mouth are reactive strips of pH and meter pH. It is important not to eat food or drink an hour before the measurement, as well as to stimulate the production of saliva by chewing a paraffin tablet; saliva is collected in a glass, a pipette is placed on the reactive strip and wait five minutes before the result is contrasted.

Tips for taking care of the pH of the mouth

If you are looking to keep the pH of saliva within its ideal levels, you need to take special care with your habits of consumption and hygiene. Our recommendations to maintain and restore the pH of saliva are:

• Avoid consumption of soft drinks and acidic drinks.
• Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking.
• Consume dairy or other foods containing calcium to neutralize acids.
• Chewing sugar-free gum to increase salivary flow and rinse the acids.
• Do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking soda, wine, cider, beer, or fruit juices.
• Contrast acidic foods in meals with alkaline foods.