Understanding Low Saliva Acidity

Understanding Salivary Acidity: The Cornerstone of Oral Health

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. It helps to moisten the mouth for comfort, lubricate our food as we chew, wash away food particles, neutralise harmful acids and maintain a balanced oral microbiome.

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When saliva’s pH becomes too acidic, it can lead to oral health problems:

1. Enamel Erosion: Acidic saliva can gradually erode tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. This makes teeth more vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, tooth wear and enamel discolouration.
2. Tooth Decay and Cavities: An acidic oral environment promotes the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, accelerating tooth decay.
3. Halitosis (Bad Breath): The acidic environment can foster bacterial growth, leading to persistent bad breath.
4. Tooth Sensitivity: As enamel erodes, it exposes the underlying dentin, leading to increased sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet stimuli.
5. Increased Risk of Oral Infections: An acidic environment can disrupt the balance of oral bacteria, potentially increasing the risk of oral infections.

Causes of Increased Salivary Acidity 

1. Diet: Foods and beverages can significantly impact oral pH. Acidic items such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and carbonated drinks can lower the pH in your mouth, contributing to increased salivary acidity.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus and mouth. This regurgitation of acidic content can dramatically increase oral acidity.
3. Medications: Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs, antihistamines, and antidepressants, can alter salivary composition and pH balance.
4. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva is vital in neutralising acids. When saliva production decreases, the oral environment can become more acidic.
5. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can affect oral pH balance.
6. Stress and Anxiety: High-stress levels can change saliva production and composition, potentially contributing to increased acidity.
7. Idiopathic: condition with unknown cause

Holistic Management of Salivary Acidity

At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, we believe in addressing oral health issues from a whole-body perspective. Here are some of the aspects of a comprehensive approach to managing salivary acidity: 

1. Dietary Adjustments:
   • Limit consumption of acidic foods and beverages.
   • Incorporate alkaline foods such as lima beans, soybeans, sesame seeds, and navy beans.
   • Consider using a straw when drinking acidic beverages, e.g. Kombucha, to minimise contact with teeth.
2. Hydration: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.
   • Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
   • Consume hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and celery.
     
3. Oral Hygiene:
   • Brush teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and quality toothpaste.
   • Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
   • Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the tongue surface.
   • Discuss with your dentist using an alkaline mouthwash, such as a bicarbonate mouth rinse, to help neutralise acids (more information below).
4. Addressing GERD: If GERD is a contributing factor, management is crucial; work with a healthcare provider to manage GERD symptoms effectively.
   • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce stomach acid production.
   • Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
   • Elevate the head of your bed to prevent nighttime reflux.
5. Stress Management: Chronic stress can impact oral health in numerous ways:
   • Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
   • Engage in regular physical activity.
   • Ensure adequate quality sleep to help manage stress levels.
6. Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to Sydney Holistic Dental Centre allow us to monitor your oral health and address arising issues promptly:
   • Schedule bi-annual check-ups and professional cleanings.
   • Discuss any concerns with your dentist or Oral Health Therapist (OHT).

Adequate hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst. It’s key to maintaining optimal oral pH balance and general health. Water helps stimulate saliva production, naturally cleansing the mouth and neutralising acids. ~ Dr Yin Yin Teoh

Specific Foods and Practices to Combat Low Saliva Acidity

Certain foods and practices can help neutralise acids and promote oral health:

1. All-natural sugar-free Gum and Mints: Stimulate saliva production to help neutralise acids.
2. Alkaline Foods: To help balance oral pH, incorporate vegetables, fruit, nuts, and legumes such as beets, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, apples, cherries, pineapple, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.
3. Probiotic-rich Foods: Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other probiotic-rich foods can help maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
4. Green Tea: Rich in polyphenols, green tea can help reduce bacterial growth and freshen your breath.
5. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery can help mechanically clean teeth and stimulate saliva production.

Bicarbonate Mouth Rinse

This simple, inexpensive, and effective mouth rinse can be readily made at home.

Mix one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. This rinse can be premade; however, shake the bottle before each use.

Benefits of Bicarbonate mouth rinse:

1. pH Balance: It helps neutralise acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion.
2. Whitening Effect: Bicarbonate has mild abrasive properties that can help remove surface stains on teeth, leading to a brighter smile.
3. Fresh Breath: It can help eliminate odours and freshen breath by neutralising volatile compounds produced by bacteria.
4. Gum Health: Its antibacterial properties may help reduce plaque buildup and promote healthier gums.
5. Soothing Properties: Bicarbonate can help soothe minor irritations in the mouth, such as mouth ulcers or gum inflammation.

Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Oral Health

Your mouth is the gateway to your body’s health. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall wellbeing.

At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health through our comprehensive, patient-centred approach.

Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced oral environment today and book an appointment at Sydney Holistic Dental Centre.

Let’s work together towards a healthier, happier you!

References:

1. Journal of Dental Research: Socransky, S. S., & Haffajee, A. D. (2005). Periodontal microbial ecology. Periodontology 2000, 38(1), 135-187. [PubMed: 15853940] Discusses the microbiology of periodontal disease, which can be linked to poor oral hygiene and its effects on oral health, including sour taste.
2. Journal of Clinical Periodontology: Kinane, D. F. (2001). Causation and pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Periodontology 2000, 25, 8-20. [PubMed: 11155179. Insights into the causes and development of periodontal disease, a condition that can contribute to increased salivary acidity and sour taste.
3. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Sour Taste in Your Mouth? Overview of common causes for sour taste. Retrieved from Sour Taste in Your Mouth? The Common Causes.
4. Journal of Dental Education: Horowitz, A. M., Siriphant, P., Sheikh, A., et al. (2001). Perspectives of Maryland dentists on oral cancer. Journal of the American Dental Association, 132(1), 65-72. [PubMed: 11194401] Highlights the importance of dental professionals in identifying and managing oral health conditions, including those that can cause a sour taste.
5.  Journal of Periodontology: Taylor, G. W. (2001). Bidirectional interrelationships between diabetes and periodontal diseases: an epidemiologic perspective. Annals of Periodontology, 6(1), 99-112. [PubMed: 11887478]. Discusses the relationship between systemic conditions like diabetes and periodontal diseases, which can also impact oral health and contribute to sour taste.