{"id":317,"date":"2011-06-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2011-06-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/balanced-ph-level-protect-smile\/"},"modified":"2011-06-27T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2011-06-27T00:00:00","slug":"balanced-ph-level-protect-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/balanced-ph-level-protect-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"A Balanced pH Level Can Help Protect Your Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"VISITING OUR PRACTICE REGULARLY HAS PROBABLY TURNED YOU INTO a cavity prevention expert, right? <\/strong>Well, there\u2019s always more than meets the eye\u2014especially when it comes to the little things we can do to keep our mouths healthy. Even those of us who are diligent brushers and flossers sometimes find ourselves with some tooth decay. Here\u2019s one more little snippet of information that may help you.<\/em><\/strong> While it is true that things like flossing, brushing for at least 2 minutes twice a day, coming in to Hudson Highlands Dentistry<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>for regular checkups<\/a><\/strong>, using mouthwash, and avoiding sugary foods DO<\/strong> help prevent cavities, there are other things we can do. New discoveries show that the pH levels in our mouths actually have A LOT more to do with tooth decay than we may realize, and maintaining normal pH levels can be helpful in fighting off cavities and gum disease.<\/em> Exactly What Is pH?<\/strong> To put it simply, pH is a measure of acidity\u2026 The lower the pH, the higher the acidity, and the higher the pH, the higher the alkaline levels. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14, and in the middle of the scale is the neutral number 7, being most like water. This is where we want our mouths to be. While we know that sugar feeds the bacteria that produces acids and turns into cavities, it is actually prolonged acidic oral pH that can cause tooth decay and a demineralization of your enamel. Confused? Let us break this down\u2026<\/strong> \"\"<\/a> Heading off the domino effect means intercepting those pH levels before they get out of hand. Ever heard of a pH test strips? They\u2019re like the sticks you dip into your swimming pool, except they\u2019re for your mouth. You can buy them at your local pharmacy and then try these remedies at home! <\/p>\n