Saliva pH Testing New York, NY
Saliva pH testing helps us determine if a patient's pH levels are harmful to their teeth. This test can also help measure various health levels. While overlooked, this can be an important health check. Various factors can influence one's salivary pH levels. pH levels must remain basic for optimal health.
Saliva pH testing is available at M.Y. Dental Spa in New York and the surrounding area. Some saliva pH levels can lead to irreversible damage. Call us today at (212) 786-5757 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Meaning Behind pH Levels
Potential hydrogen, or pH, levels refer to the chemical level of a substance and range from most acidic (0) to most alkaline (14) with a midpoint of 7 (pure drinking water). Normal saliva should remain between 6.2 and 7.6 pH, with a slightly higher alkaline level. The human body consists of about 60% water, and pH levels need to be close to that to sustain it.
Acidic pH describes substances that fall below a pH of 7, such as coffee, vinegar, and soda. Acidic substances cause acids in the mouth to demineralize, or break down, tooth enamel and expose the dentin. Dentin is the inner layer beneath the enamel; when exposed, teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, and sugary drinks.
Alkaline pH describes substances that rise above a pH of 7, including alcoholic beverages, seawater, and antacids. People with higher alkaline pH levels tend to have frequent dental problems.
“The human body consists of about 60% water, and pH levels need to be close to that to sustain it.”
Conditions Related to Acidic pH Levels
Conditions
Acidic saliva contributes to the acidity level throughout the body. Blood with a low pH level is too acidic and can be associated with high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions. Salivary pH levels that are too acidic affect the oral cavity. A 2013 periodontology study found that "patients with generalized chronic periodontitis had more acidic pH." Therefore, saliva pH testing can determine acidity levels in the mouth and body and diagnose many conditions and their contributing factors.
Symptoms
People experiencing low pH levels tend to suffer from persistent bad breath, sensitivity to hot and cold, and frequent cavity development. Consistently low pH levels can lead to acidosis, a condition in which the lungs and kidneys cannot balance the body's pH levels. In this case, symptoms include fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and lack of appetite.
“Blood with a low pH level is too acidic and can be associated with high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions.”
Alkaline pH Levels
Persons with alkaline saliva pH levels (that is, a pH higher than 7.0) tend to experience the same symptoms as persons with acidic saliva pH levels. These include persistent bad breath, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, and tooth cavities.
Alkalosis may be attributed to an inadequate supply of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, a significant loss of acid, a critical decline of chlorine, or an inadequate supply of potassium in the body. However, the condition itself is much rarer than acidemia. Alkaline pH is conducive to plaque growth. As such, it should come as no surprise that the aforementioned 2013 study found that participants with chronic generalized gingivitis had comparatively more alkaline saliva pH levels when compared to the clinically healthy group.
“Alkaline pH is conducive to plaque growth.”
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Performing the Test
Salivary pH levels can be tested in our office using pH strips. Patients should not eat or drink for at least two hours prior to the test to attain the most accurate results. As pH levels change throughout the day with food and beverages, the test results may be inconclusive.
To perform the test, the patient needs to collect and fill their mouth with saliva, then spit it out. They will repeat the process of collecting and filling the mouth, but this time, placing saliva on a test strip. The strip will change colors according to the pH level, red being the lowest (acidic) and purple being the highest (alkaline). We will be able to tell you the exact pH number.
“The strip will change colors according to the pH level, red being the lowest (acidic) and purple being the highest (alkaline).”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does pH level affect a person's oral health?
Q. Which conditions and symptoms can low pH levels cause?
Q. What are the symptoms of alkalinity?
Q. How can I improve my saliva pH levels?
People Also Ask
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. What are some conditions that a complete health dentist can diagnose?
Q. Why should someone see a complete health dentist for TMJ?
Improving Saliva pH Levels
Luckily, there are several steps patients can take to improve their saliva pH levels. This includes avoiding acidic beverages, such as soft drinks. If patients must drink acidic beverages, they should refrain from swishing them around in the mouth. They may also want to consider rinsing their mouth with water after eating or drinking, regardless of whether acidic beverages are involved.
Chewing sugarless gum can also help increase the saliva flow, thus washing away any acids. Milk and other calcium-containing foods and beverages may also help neutralize acids. Furthermore, it is best to wait an hour to brush teeth after eating something acidic, giving the saliva time to wash away acids and remineralize the enamel.
“Luckily, there are several steps patients can take to improve their saliva pH levels.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Saliva pH Testing
Q. Why is it bad to brush my teeth while my mouth is acidic?
A. Brushing your teeth while your mouth is at peak acidity can cause you to brush away the dissolved minerals, causing the weakened surface to become more susceptible to damage. As such, it is best to wait at least an hour after you have consumed acidic foods or beverages before brushing teeth. Rinsing with plain water immediately after eating can also raise your pH levels while removing loose food particles.
Q. What is saliva made up of?
A. Saliva comprises over 99% water. However, saliva collected from the mouth also contains desquamated oral epithelial cells, leucocytes, fluid from the gingival crevice, food remnants, and microorganisms and their products.
Q. Does tobacco use affect salivary pH?
A. Yes. A study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology found that tobacco smokers and tobacco chewers had significantly more acidic salivary pH levels than those who did not use tobacco at all.
Q. What happens if your salivary pH levels drop too low?
A. Once your salivary pH levels drop below 5.5, the tooth enamel will begin to break down. This damage is permanent, as tooth enamel cannot grow back. Teeth may become sensitive, and you may notice a yellowish discoloration. This also makes you more susceptible to cavities.
Q. How can I keep a balanced pH in my mouth?
A. Limit your intake of sugary soft drinks and black coffee. If you must indulge, drink them quickly and rinse afterward with a drink of water. Add dairy to your coffee to counteract the acidity. Chew gum, preferably one with xylitol, to encourage saliva production. Finally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of pH-balanced water.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
If you are interested in better understanding complete health dentistry or information regarding saliva ph testing, call us at 212-786-5757 to set up an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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