4 Ways To Lessen The Amount Of Acid In Your Mouth

Most cavities are caused by acid in your mouth. Your tooth enamel is sensitive to a process called "demineralization" in which is the dissolution of the minerals in your teeth. Your tooth enamel is made up largely of minerals. However, acid dissolves these minerals and causes weak spots in the tooth enamel, which can develop into cavities. Here are a few ways to lessen the amount of acid in your mouth.

Drink more water.

Acid can be diluted by water. Thus, the more water you drink, the more the acid in your mouth becomes diluted. The pH of pure water is 7.0, which is neutral. However, the pH of an acid is always less than 7.0. When the acid and the water mix, the pH of the water counter acts the low pH of the acid and lessens the acid's concentration in your mouth.

Rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda and water.

Baking soda has a pH of 8.3. Many people brush their teeth regularly with a paste of baking soda and water. However, baking soda has a coarse texture, which could damage the enamel of your teeth over time. Nevertheless, you can still take advantage of baking soda's alkaline pH by rinsing with a solution of baking soda and water. Sprinkle baking soda into a cup and add warm water. Stir the mixture and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes. If you can tolerate the salty taste of the solution, your teeth may benefit from the reduction in the acid inside your mouth.

Use a fluoride rinse.

Fluoride strengthens your teeth by drawing minerals back to the damaged areas of your teeth. However, it also has an antibacterial effect. Studies show that fluoride reduces the ability of bacteria to release acid. Usually, the bacteria in your mouth release acid whenever they consume sugars in your mouth. However, fluoride exposure causes the bacteria to stop "feeding."

Chew sugarless gum.

Sugarless gum stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. Just as water dilutes the acid in your mouth, so does saliva. Nevertheless, the pH of saliva can vary. A child's saliva is normally around 7.5. However, the average pH of adult saliva is usually 6.5 or below. Still, the saliva helps wash away acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. Although the pH of your saliva may be acidic, the pH of the strongest acid is 0.

If you want to lessen your chance of tooth decay by increasing the pH of your mouth, there are measures that you can take at home. However, be sure to discuss your pH concerns with your dentist. Schedule an appointment (at centers like Schererville Family Dentistry, PC) today.