The Onset of Dental Health Issues Because of the pH of Your Mouth
In the hectic world of oral health, one sometimes forgotten yet critical component is the pH balance of our mouths. The pH level is vital in maintaining the delicate balance in our oral microbiota. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a cascade of dental health issues, ranging from tooth decay to gum disease. Understanding the correlation between pH and oral health is paramount in safeguarding our smiles.
This article delves into the intricate interplay between pH levels and dental well-being.
The pH Spectrum
Before delving into the implications of pH on oral health, it’s imperative to grasp the pH spectrum. The pH scale goes from zero to fourteen, with seven being neutral. Anything under 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline.
According to a PubMed article, the resting pH of an oral cavity can be anywhere between 5 and 9 and can vary. For instance, it can go up during the loss of carbon dioxide during ammonia formation or dental plaque bacteria. Several oral health problems are strongly associated with the pH level of the mouth. Dental caries, for one, is broadly researched and concluded to be associated with it.
The human mouth typically maintains a slightly acidic pH, hovering around 6.5 to 7.5 under normal conditions. This acidic environment is conducive to the activities of oral bacteria, which play a pivotal role in the breakdown of food particles. However, it also initiates dental plaque formation.
Acid Attack
One of the primary adversaries to dental health is the acid attack initiated by oral bacteria fermentation of dietary sugars. When you consume sugars and carbohydrates, certain bacteria in your mouth metabolize these sugars into acidic byproducts, primarily lactic acid.
Continuous exposure to acidic circumstances causes demineralization of tooth enamel, the outer protective coating of teeth. Over time, this erosion can cause cavities and tooth damage. This can develop not just due to germs but also as a side effect of some drugs.
For example, Suboxone, an opioid use disorder medicine, has recently been associated with tooth decay and other oral problems. According to TorHoerman Law, sublingual Suboxone films, which are supposed to be placed under the tongue, are acidic. This acidic nature reduces the mouth’s pH, resulting in tooth caramel erosion.
Due to this growing concern, many Suboxone users have filed a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit against the medicine’s manufacturer. These lawsuits allege several other dental injuries besides tooth decay, such as tooth loss, fractures, tongue injuries, and more.
The plaintiffs seek compensation for their sufferings and medical expenses from Indivior. Due to this concern, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked Indivior to add warning labels to individual medicine packaging.
pH and Enamel Demineralization
The integrity of tooth enamel serves as the frontline defense against dental decay. However, when the pH in the mouth drops below the critical threshold of around 5.5, the demineralization process begins.
Calcium and phosphate ions at this pH dissolve from the enamel, weakening its structure and making it more susceptible to bacterial assault. Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages and poor oral hygiene practices exacerbate this erosion, leading to cavities.
Thanks to technological advancement, assessing and addressing enamel demineralization has become easier. A BMC Journal study states that only visual-tactile examination is insufficient to detect demineralization early. Therefore, technology, in combination with clinical examination, is increasingly being adopted. For example, using 3D imaging technology can offer detailed assessment for early intervention.
Alkaline Defense Mechanisms
While acidic conditions promote enamel demineralization, maintaining a slightly alkaline pH within the oral cavity is crucial for remineralization and enamel repair. Saliva, often called the “guardian of oral health,” is pivotal in neutralizing acids and restoring the pH balance.
Salivary bicarbonate buffers counteract the acidic onslaught, helping to raise the pH and create a more hospitable environment for remineralization. Furthermore, saliva contains calcium and phosphate ions, essential building blocks for enamel repair.
The good thing is that most people know saliva’s importance. An NCBI article mentions a survey that found over 90% of people knew about the salivary pH in terms of healthy gingiva. Moreover, 34.82% knew about salivary pH in the case of chronic gingivitis, and around 20% knew it in the case of chronic periodontitis.
Beyond its impact on tooth enamel, pH also influences the health of the surrounding soft tissues, particularly the gums. The alkaline nature of saliva helps to maintain the delicate balance of the oral microbiome, preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria. However, acidic conditions can disrupt this equilibrium, fostering the growth of pathogenic bacteria and triggering inflammation of the gums.
This association is visible in many studies that analyzed the oral pH levels of patients with healthy gingiva and others. For example, a PubMed study tries to find the correlation of blood and salivary pH with gingivitis and periodontitis. pH levels were significantly lower in people with periodontitis and chronic gingivitis than those with healthy gums. Moreover, periodontitis showed higher acidic pH in comparison to gingivitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Saliva pH Vary Throughout the Day?
Saliva pH can vary throughout the day due to various factors such as nutrition, hydration, and dental hygiene practices. Saliva pH typically fluctuates between 6.5 and 7.5, which might vary based on individual behaviors and external circumstances.
For instance, ingesting acidic or sugary meals and beverages can temporarily reduce saliva pH. On the other hand, drinking water or eating alkaline-rich foods can assist in maintaining a more neutral pH balance. Additionally, stress and some drugs might influence saliva composition and pH levels.
Are There Any Natural Ways to Neutralize Acidity in the Mouth?
There are several natural ways to neutralize acid in the mouth and maintain a healthy pH balance. One common way is to stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or eating crunchy fruits and vegetables. Saliva works as a natural buffer, neutralizing acids and restoring an alkaline environment in the mouth.
Furthermore, cleaning the mouth with water or a baking soda rinse can neutralize acidity and produce a more balanced pH. Incorporating alkaline-rich foods like leafy greens, almonds, and legumes can help with general mouth health and pH balance.
How Can I Tell if My Mouth’s pH Balance Is Off?
Detecting a pH imbalance in your mouth might require noticing certain signs and symptoms. Persistent foul breath is one sign of an unbalanced pH, as acidic circumstances can stimulate the growth of bacteria that cause odors.
Furthermore, sensitivity or soreness in the teeth or gums, especially after eating acidic meals or beverages, may indicate a pH imbalance. Regular dental check-ups can also help detect problems with pH balance or general oral health.
To conclude, the pH balance of our mouths serves as a silent sentinel, exerting a profound influence on our dental health. From enamel demineralization to gum inflammation, pH plays a pivotal role in shaping the oral microbiome and its associated pathologies. By understanding the dynamics of pH regulation and adopting oral hygiene practices, we can safeguard our smiles against the corrosive effects of acidity.
