Believe it or not, the health of your smile is often a matter of chemistry, and two simple letters can make all the difference: pH. 

Scientifically, the pH scale was developed to determine the acidity or basicity of a specific aqueous solution. The primary indicator of pH levels is activity of hydrogen. For those of you who trend more toward the Einstein end of the spectrum, it is the negative of the logarithm to base 10 of the activity of activity of the hydrogen ion.

When measuring acidity, a neutral level is 7. Acidity gets stronger as pH levels of a solution get lower. For example, milk and pure water are both typically a neutral 7. 

How does the pH scale apply to my teeth? 

Ultimately, the pH level of your mouth is the indicator of whether you are balanced or too acidic. The danger of being too acidic is that your mouth in a state where tooth enamel can start to break down. When your enamel breaks down, a breeding ground for decay can begin to develop. 

The good news is, saliva is a neutralizer. And while acidic foods can have a negative effect on teeth, the key is that you don’t let foods and drinks that are low on the pH scale linger too long in your mouth. With a consistent routine of brushing and flossing, your incisors, canines and molars can safely advance to the next meal. 

Fargo’s Leading Restorative Dental Office

Understanding the importance of pH levels doesn’t have to be complicated. South University Dental Associates have experts who are passionate about helping you understand the basics to healthy teeth. Whether you’re looking to fix teeth damaged by acid erosion or get the best in preventative care, a quality dentist in the Fargo-West Fargo Fargo-Moorhead area is just a phone call away. The team of dentists at South University Dental is available to offer dental advice, a diagnosis, or treatment as necessary.