What pH Range Should A Healthy Mouth Fall Into Posted on 3/10/2020 by Sundberg Office Keeping your mouth healthy means many things. Of course, to begin with, it means you regularly engage in proper oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice each day, and be sure to floss at least once in every 24 hour period. Further, you need to be certain that you are having your teeth cleaned by a professional at least every six months. But these things are not by themselves enough to keep your oral health at its best. One thing you need to pay attention to is the pH range in your mouth. Doing this can help preserve the enamel on your teeth, in turn protecting them from damage and decay.
What is a pH Level?
The pH level in your mouth tells you how acidic your mouth is. All liquids have a pH, and it ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral; anything less is acidic and anything greater is basic (or alkaline). You want to avoid an acidic mouth because acid harms your enamel. The enamel on your teeth is the hardened outer coating the protects them. When it is stripped away, the softer dentin underneath is exposed. Dentin is much more susceptible to damage and decay, meaning that you need to take steps to preserve the enamel on your teeth.
What Should Your Mouth’s pH Level Be?
Usually, the saliva in your mouth operates to maintain a pH level ranging from 6.7 to 7.3. This level, hovering around the neutral range, is the ideal level for your mouth. If your mouth is too acidic (or too alkaline) you could wind up suffering premature tooth wear and decay. So, if you think you may have an issue, please be sure to talk with us about it. We can help you choose the best course of action to normalize your mouth's pH level.