Got Acid?: Ways To Increase The Ph Inside Your Mouth

If you are concerned about the amount of acid in your mouth, your concern is not unfounded. Acid dissolves tooth enamel, causes tooth decay and inflames gums.

Acidic substances have a pH that is less than 7, which is considered neutral and is the pH of pure water. However, alkaline substances have a pH that is greater than 7. Most substances can be assigned a pH value that is between 0 and 14.

Strongly acidic substances, such as battery acid, have a pH that is close to zero, and strongly alkaline chemicals, such as drain cleaner, have a pH that is close to 14. Highly alkaline substances are not usually ingested as food or drink, and the mouth is rarely strongly alkaline. However, it is often acidic. Here are three ways to increase the pH inside your mouth.

Rinse with Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda is naturally alkaline and has a pH that is close to nine. When it is introduced into the oral cavity, it helps neutralize the acid that is present.

Some people choose to brush with baking soda. However, the gritty texture of the powder is so abrasive that it can eventually erode tooth enamel.

A baking soda mouth rinse can be made by mixing the powder with water. To use the rinse, you would simple swish it about your mouth as you would commercial mouthwash.

Rinse with Water after Snacks and Meals

Much of the acid in your mouth is introduced by oral bacteria. They feed on carbohydrates and release acid as a byproduct.

Rinsing with water after meals helps dilute the acid and rinses away food particles and oral bacteria.

Oil Pull

Since acid is released by oral bacteria, removing bacteria can help improve pH values. Oil pulling, which is an ancient Indian practice, can be used to effectively trap and eliminate the bacteria in your mouth.

To oil pull, select a healthy, edible oil, such as sesame, coconut or olive oil, and swish it around your mouth for around 20 minutes. After mechanically pulling the oil throughout your mouth, release it into a trash receptacle. Be sure to avoid spitting the oil into a sink or toilet, since the oil can eventually clog your drains. This is especially true of coconut oil, which remains a solid at room temperature.

To learn more ways to lessen the amount of acid in your mouth, consult with a dentist in your area. He or she will be able to provide conventional and natural options to improve your oral health.

 


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