Regulating pH in our mouths is a very important part of our oral health, as it helps control the bacteria that contributes to tooth decay and gum/bone disease.

Diets that are high in acidity can cause the outer surface of the tooth to demineralize, very much like acid eroding metal!  Therefore, finding and implementing ways to reduce and neutralize that acidity is crucial. This is where water and saliva plays a big part in our mouth, buffering acids and keeping the PH relatively neutral.

Neutral is considered a 7 on the PH scale, which is the same as PURE WATER! Unfortunately, with all the ‘add ins’ and ‘take outs’ of our water nowadays, we don’t really know if it’s falling within the healthy range of pH for water (6.5-8.5) and doing the job we need it to do.
It may surprise you just where your favourite drinks fall on that scale. Remember, 7 is neutral… anything above is basic, anything below is acidic.

WINE: 2.0
VITAMIN WATER: 3.4
GATORADE: 3.5
DIET COKE: 3.65
BEER: 4.38
DASANI WATER: 4.5
A &W ROOT BEER: 4.75
BLACK COFFEE: 5.25
PERRIER WATER: 5.5
(anything below 5.5 dissolves ENAMEL, the outer shell of the tooth)
SMART WATER: 6.5
GREAT VALUE WAL-MART WATER: 6.5
(anything above 6.5 dissolves DENTIN, the inner layer of tooth)
ARROWHEAD WATER: 6.8
PURE WATER: 7
(Credit to: www.alkalinewaterplus.com)

With this knowledge, it is easier for us to assess our ever-changing dental risks and make a positive change in maintaining our dental health.
Now go drink your 8 glasses of NEUTRAL water!! 🙂

-Tiffany
Braeside Dental Centre