How to neutralize the acid in your mouth? What are the home remedies for acidity in the mouth? What is the PH of the mouth? Is there a disease of acid saliva? What are the symptoms of acidity in the mouth? And finally what are the different types of foods that are very acidic?
I. What Is PH?
The pH is a value index that measures the level of acidity of an environment. We can know the pH of the soil as well as that of the mouth for example.
The pH of an environment is measured between 0 and 14. At zero, we can say that the environment is at its highest level of acidity. At 14, the environment is alkaline.
A pH of 7 is associated with a neutral environment.
II. Why Regulating The pH of Your Mouth?
Saliva has important oral functions. Not only does saliva moisten food and digest it, but it is also useful for cleaning the oral cavity.
Acidic saliva becomes dangerous for the whole mouth. If your saliva becomes too acidic (with a too high pH), your teeth, being in constant contact with it, will be weakened.
This is why it is important to regulate the pH of your mouth.
III. What Is Acid Saliva Disease?
Saliva may become acidic. This condition is usually directly related to another disease, namely gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Saliva is not only composed of water but also proteins and minerals.
Our diet or the use of certain medications can make our saliva acidic. Acidic saliva is one whose pH is below 4.5.
When the pH of saliva is below 4.5, it implies that lactic acid, responsible for fermentation, is extremely present.
IV. Mouth Acidity Symptoms
Although not an infection or inflammation, acidic saliva is nevertheless accompanied by various manifestations.
You may feel some bitterness in your mouth. Another symptom is the texture of your saliva. If it is foamy, then your saliva is not healthy.
Because salivary acidity affects the health of your whole mouth, you may also start to develop mouth ulcers repeatedly. Your teeth may also change in structure, or become more brittle and sensitive.
V. How to Neutralize the Acid in Your Mouth
1. Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water is a great way to neutralize the acidity in your mouth.
This is one of the first steps you should take if you have salivary acidity. Plain water helps to hydrate the mouth, as acidity often goes hand in hand with dry mouth.
In addition, drinking water allows the evacuation of food remains in the mouth and thus prevents the appearance of dental plaque. By drinking at least 2 liters of water per day, you will act on the acid saliva and will be able to balance your pH.
2. Drink Milk
Milk is another food that can intervene with oral acidity. You can drink milk if you notice that your saliva has become acidic.
Because milk contains a lot of water (about 85%), it helps fight against salivary acidity. Milk, therefore, maintains the pH at a basic level, helping to remineralize tooth enamel.
Drinking milk is therefore a way to protect your mouth and your teeth.
3. Eat a Piece of Cheese
Cheese can be an ally in cases of acidic saliva and acid reflux. However, it is better to choose low-fat cheeses because they are easier for the stomach to digest.
You can eat a piece of ripened cheese such as Camembert or Comté. Cottage cheese is another choice.
Dairy products can help with acidic saliva.
4. Yogurt
People with acidic saliva well tolerate yogurt. Eating yogurt can help you fight this phenomenon.
Also, to regulate your stomach acidity, do not hesitate to eat yogurt after your meals. This will help your digestion.
Plain yogurt is a great alternative to your reflux problems.
5. Eat Soybeans
Eating soybeans are great for digestion. If you want to avoid acidic saliva, then it can be beneficial for you to consume soybeans.
This product contains protein, which helps to tighten the esophageal sphincter. Soy milk is very recommended for an antacid diet.
Nonetheless, it is important to include soy as part of a healthy diet.
6. Eat More Vegetables
Since diet plays a big role in the pH of saliva, it is important to follow a proper diet to get rid of this condition. While avoiding fatty foods and carbonated drinks, focus on eating vegetables.
Include products such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, or spinach in your diet as a priority. To reduce the risk of acid reflux, chew slowly. This will help your digestion.
7. Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Sugar-free chewing gum is another way to reduce salivary acidity. Some research has shown that chewing sugarless gum after eating increases salivary production and thereby reduces gastroesophageal reflux.
Chewing sugarless gum is therefore considered a simple remedy for acid reflux.
8. Reduce Your Alcohol and Caffeine Intake
At the origin of acidic saliva, gastroesophageal reflux is often found. So, to take action against acid saliva, it is wise to find out how to limit acid reflux.
By consuming less alcohol and caffeine, you will reduce the risk of acid saliva. Alcohol and caffeine are products that reduce the function of the esophagus and sphincter.
Therefore, for better digestion, it is worthwhile to take less alcohol and coffee.
9. Brush with Antacid Toothpaste
There are antacid products, such as gels or toothpaste. If you have noticed that you suffer from acidic saliva, then brush your teeth with antacid toothpaste.
This toothpaste will help you reduce the acidity of saliva in your mouth. This type of toothpaste can raise the pH level in the mouth and restore neutrality to the saliva.
Your doctor will recommend a toothpaste that is appropriate for your problem.
VI. Types of Foods That Are Highly Acidic
Acidic foods are not those that taste acidic, but rather those that can cause acidity in the stomach.
Examples of acidic foods include industrial sweets, soft drinks, refined sugar, and citrus fruits.
Frequent and prolonged consumption of these types of foods can cause acid reflux and acidity in the mouth.
VII. Other Questions About Home Remedies for Acidity in the Mouth
1. Does Mouthwash Neutralize Acid
There are antiseptic mouthwashes which, in addition to neutralizing bacteria, help to act on gastric reflux.
Some mouthwashes have an anti-acid action by fighting against dental plaque.
Mouthwashes are useful in cases of acidity because they promote good oral health.
It is also possible to use a self-made mouthwash with baking soda.
2. Does Salt Water Neutralize Acid in Mouth
Saltwater mouthwash has many advantages. First of all, it is an excellent disinfectant, which also reduces dental and gum pain.
Salivary acidity is sometimes caused by acid reflux, so use a salt water mouthwash. Salt is very useful in helping the stomach with acid reflux. Therefore, salt water mouthwash neutralizes salivary acidity.
To use this type of mouthwash, all you have to do is dilute a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. You can use the mixture as a natural mouthwash.
3. Is Peroxide Good for Your Mouth?
Peroxide is commonly used in tooth whitening. It is a chemical compound with a bleaching agent. Hydrogen peroxide is used in oral health on stained teeth to whiten them.
It is also used as an antibacterial agent, especially for gum disease. Peroxide thus helps to keep gums clean and healthy.
This product is very useful in this case but is not without risk. The use of hydrogen peroxide can make the teeth more sensitive. Peroxide can cause enamel damage and tooth demineralization.
4. How Do You Rinse Your Mouth with Baking Soda?
A baking soda mouthwash is a great way to maintain a healthy mouth. You can make this rinse easily.
Simply dilute a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water. To the mixture, you can add one to two pinches of salt to ensure its effectiveness. By using this mixture as a mouthwash, you will act on the acidity of your saliva.
Baking soda is useful to regulate the acidity of an environment because its pH is 8.4. It is an alkalizing product. It is also very recommended against swollen salivary glands.
Useful Links:
Salivary pH: A diagnostic biomarker
Effects of Sucking Acidic Candy on Whole-Mouth Saliva Composition
Neutralizing salivary pH by mouthwashes after an acidic challenge
Something Sticking Out of My Gum [Bony Protrusion on Gums?]
How Do I Get Rid of Fungus on my Gums? [Symptoms & Treatments]
Dental Bone Grafting: Risks and Complications?
Swollen Gums and Sore throat with Swollen Lymph Nodes, what to Do?
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your teeth? [causes & Symptoms]