How Can I Restore pH Balance in My Mouth?
You can restore the pH balance in your mouth by making changes to your diet, adjusting the timing of your snacks, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and chewing sugarless gum. Choosing an all-natural toothpaste with a neutral pH is also essential. These simple lifestyle changes can help balance the alkalinity and acidity of your mouth, bringing the pH toward neutral, which is ideal.
Why is pH balance important for your mouth?
A substance’s pH refers to its level of acidity vs. alkalinity, which is the same as acids vs. bases. The pH scale extends from zero to 14. The lower the pH is, the more acidic the substance is. For example, battery acid has a pH of zero, whereas liquid drain cleaner has a pH of 14. At seven, pure water has a neutral pH. Anything below seven is considered acidic to varying degrees, and anything above seven is considered basic or alkaline.
Your mouth is its own little ecosystem, complete with its own pH. It fluctuates throughout the day, depending on what you eat and drink. If you consume acidic foods and beverages, the pH of your mouth will drop, and vice versa. If your mouth becomes too acidic, the enamel of your teeth begins to demineralize. This increases the risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay.
Check your oral care products
Although it might seem counterintuitive, not all oral care products (like toothpaste and mouthwash) have a neutral pH. And unfortunately, oral care products also do not typically list their pH on their product labels. In general, however, it’s best to choose natural oral care products that emphasize quality.
Stay well-hydrated
Pure water has a pH balance of 7, which is neutral. Sipping water throughout the day will help keep your mouth at a neutral pH, as will drinking plenty of water during and after meals. You can also swish with water after meals. However, bear in mind that some commercially produced water products do not have a neutral pH. They can be acidic. If you’re unsure whether the water you drink is neutral, consider contacting the company to find out.
Make dietary changes
Making a few dietary changes can help restore your mouth’s pH balance. Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple as just eating healthy foods, as many nutritious, healthy foods are also acidic. So, instead of cutting out certain foods from your diet, strive to include more healthy foods that are alkaline. These include many types of vegetables, such as broccoli, bell pepper, kale, and green beans. Nuts and certain cheeses (such as Camembert) are also alkaline.
The timing of your meals and snacks is also important. Instead of sipping non-water beverages slowly or spacing out a few bites of a snack over a long period, it’s best to consume foods and beverages in one sitting. Then, swish with water to restore pH balance.
Get in the habit of chewing sugarless gum
Another strategy you can use to restore the pH balance of your mouth is to chew a piece of sugarless gum after each meal and snack. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which nudges your mouth’s pH balance back toward neutral. It’s best to choose sugar-free gum that contains xylitol. It further encourages saliva production and helps prevent cavities by making it more difficult for bacteria to stick to the enamel.
Make the switch to natural, eco-friendly dental care products
You can begin experiencing the benefits of better dental care with help from Terra & Co. Our products are natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly, plus they can help restore proper pH balance to your mouth. Stock up on our recyclable toothbrush and bamboo floss today—free shipping is available on orders over $35.
