Saliva pH Testing Las Vegas, NV
Saliva pH testing helps us determine if a patient's pH levels are harmful to their teeth. This test can also help measure various health levels. While overlooked, this can be an important health check. Various factors can influence one's salivary pH levels. pH levels must remain basic for optimal health.
Saliva pH testing is available at Hybrid Dental in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Some saliva pH levels can lead to irreversible damage. Call us today at (702) 628-5807 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Meaning Behind pH Levels
Potential hydrogen, or pH, levels refer to the chemical level of a substance and range from most acidic (0) to most alkaline (14) with a midpoint of 7 (pure drinking water). Normal saliva should remain between 6.2 and 7.6 pH, with a slightly higher alkaline level. The human body consists of about 60% water, and pH levels need to be close to that to sustain it.
Acidic pH describes substances that fall below a pH of 7, such as coffee, vinegar, and soda. Acidic substances cause acids in the mouth to demineralize, or break down, tooth enamel and expose the dentin. Dentin is the inner layer beneath the enamel; when exposed, teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, and sugary drinks.
Alkaline pH describes substances that rise above a pH of 7, including alcoholic beverages, seawater, and antacids. People with higher alkaline pH levels tend to have frequent dental problems.
“The human body consists of about 60% water, and pH levels need to be close to that to sustain it.”
Acidic pH Levels
Acidic beverages can cause the pH level of one's saliva to decrease below 5.5. Once this occurs, the acids in the mouth may begin to break down, or demineralize, the tooth enamel. Tooth enamel that becomes too thin will expose the dentin, leading to temperature sensitivity and discomfort when drinking sugary beverages.
According to one 2013 study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, participants with chronic generalized periodontitis had a relatively more acidic salivary pH than the clinically healthy group. Saliva pH below 7.0 is typically an indication of acidemia, which results in an abnormal amount of acidity in the blood. If the patient has a chronic condition, they are at heightened risk for dental decay, halitosis, and periodontitis and, since oral health is directly linked with overall health, a slew of systemic diseases.
“Saliva pH below 7.0 is typically an indication of acidemia, or abnormal acidity of the blood.”
Conditions Related to Alkaline pH Levels
Conditions
Salivary pH levels containing high alkaline levels affect the blood's pH. Having too much alkaline in the blood (pH above 7) can contribute to many conditions affecting the mouth and body. The same 2013 study found that the salivary pH was more alkaline for patients with generalized chronic gingivitis. High alkaline levels in the blood can lead to alkalosis. A pH high in alkaline can result from decreased carbon dioxide levels, an increase in bicarbonate, low potassium levels, alcohol abuse, or hypokalemia.
Symptoms
High alkaline pH has the same oral symptoms as acidic pH levels: persistent bad breath, sensitivity to hot and cold, and frequent cavity development. Alkalosis symptoms include nausea, numbness, prolonged muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, dizziness, confusion and in severe cases, stupor and comas.
“Having too much alkaline in the blood (pH above 7) can contribute to many conditions affecting the mouth and body.”
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Performing Saliva pH Tests
We can test patients' saliva pH in our office using pH strips. As foods and beverages can influence the pH level of the mouth, patients should refrain from eating or drinking for at least two hours before the exam for the most accurate results.
The procedure itself is quick and easy. The patient must fill their mouth with saliva, then dispose of it either by swallowing or spitting it out. The patient must then fill their mouth with saliva again, this time taking care to place a small amount of it on a pH strip. Then, we will match the color of the pH strip to determine the patient's pH level.
“We can test patients’ saliva pH in our office using pH strips.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does pH level affect a person's oral health?
Q. How do high alkaline levels affect oral and systemic health?
Q. What causes an acidic saliva pH?
Q. How are saliva pH tests performed?
People Also Ask
Q. How does oral health affect overall health?
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
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Improving pH Levels
The most effective way to improve or balance the pH levels in saliva, we recommend consuming foods and beverages with a midrange pH. However, much of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals the body needs are lost in neutral pH foods. Therefore, adjusting both acidic and alkaline levels and limiting certain behaviors can positively influence salivary pH levels.
Behaviors that can be adjusted according to Healthline include:
- Avoiding sugary soft drinks (drink them quickly and follow up with water)
- Avoiding black coffee (add dairy, not a sugary flavored creamer, to counteract acidity)
- Avoiding brushing teeth right after drinking highly-acidic beverages as they soften tooth enamel (brushing can further damage the enamel)
- Chewing gum (sugarless gum – preferably one with xylitol – encourages saliva production; xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to tooth enamel)
- Staying hydrated (drink plenty of pH 7 water)
“Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Saliva pH Testing
Q. Why is it bad to brush my teeth while my mouth is acidic?
A. Brushing your teeth while your mouth is at peak acidity can cause you to brush away the dissolved minerals, causing the weakened surface to become more susceptible to damage. As such, it is best to wait at least an hour after you have consumed acidic foods or beverages before brushing teeth. Rinsing with plain water immediately after eating can also raise your pH levels while removing loose food particles.
Q. What is saliva made up of?
A. Saliva comprises over 99% water. However, saliva collected from the mouth also contains desquamated oral epithelial cells, leucocytes, fluid from the gingival crevice, food remnants, and microorganisms and their products.
Q. Does tobacco use affect salivary pH?
A. Yes. A study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology found that tobacco smokers and tobacco chewers had significantly more acidic salivary pH levels than those who did not use tobacco at all.
Q. What happens if your salivary pH levels drop too low?
A. Once your salivary pH levels drop below 5.5, the tooth enamel will begin to break down. This damage is permanent, as tooth enamel cannot grow back. Teeth may become sensitive, and you may notice a yellowish discoloration. This also makes you more susceptible to cavities.
Q. How can I keep a balanced pH in my mouth?
A. Limit your intake of sugary soft drinks and black coffee. If you must indulge, drink them quickly and rinse afterward with a drink of water. Add dairy to your coffee to counteract the acidity. Chew gum, preferably one with xylitol, to encourage saliva production. Finally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of pH-balanced water.
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Dental Terminology
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If you are interested in better understanding complete health dentistry or information regarding saliva ph testing, call us at 702-628-5807 to set up an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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