Is An Alkaline Diet Good For Your Teeth

When it comes to keeping your mouth clean, there are a number of natural methods we can all use for a sparkling smile and healthy teeth and gums. One of the best ways to keep up your oral hygiene is to stick to an alkaline diet.

You are familiar with the pH scale- it ranges on a scale from 0 to 14, ranking substances as acidic or basic. The higher the number falls on the scale, the more basic it is. The lower, the more acidic. The body’s natural pH level in the mouth is about 7.4. When we eat highly acidic foods, it throws that pH level off, and that can cause health issues like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Lower pH levels are more optimal for the body to fight against acidic situations and in the mouth, they show to have some considerable benefits. Low pH levels correlate with lower risk for stroke and hypertension and even show improvement in memory and cognition.

High-alkaline foods neutralize the effects that acidic foods have on your tooth erosion. When acidic foods wash away the enamel of the tooth, your body steps in to bring the pH back to neutral and rehabilitate the enamel. Eating more foods that are high in alkaline pH can help bring your mouth’s pH back to neutral and keep your body regenerating your protective enamel.

Here are some tips to follow when focusing on a high alkaline diet:

• Avoid:
  • Meat
  • Dairy
  • Sweets
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Artificial and processed foods
• Eat more:
  • Fresh fruit
  • Veggies
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

There are many benefits to the body beyond oral health when striving toward a high-alkaline diet. For more tips on monitoring your pH level and food for healthy teeth, visit Gables Family Dentistry!