If you read our blog a lot, you probably already know that our skin has an acid pH (5.5). But do you know how the pH of our mouths is?
In this article, we explain everything to you.
Oral health is essential for the general well-being of children. An often neglected but crucial factor is the pH of our mouth.
This pH is largely influenced by our saliva.
Understanding the interaction between the pH of saliva and the choice of toothpaste can help prevent cavities and other current dental problems in our little stretches.
What is the pH of saliva and why is it important?
PH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. For example, for a Coca-Cola, the pH is 2, it is therefore acidic. For a soap, the pH is 9, so it is alkaline. A neutral pH is around 7. Different from our skin, whose pH is 5.5, saliva, as a biological liquid, has a pH which can vary. Indeed, saliva can be slightly acidic or alkaline, depending on our state of health and our diet. Ideally, the pH of saliva is between 6.2 and 7.6.
A salivary pH too acidic (less than 5.5) can promote the demineralization of dental enamel, leading to cavities and unbalanced the microbiome of the mouth.
The role of toothpaste in the philos
The toothpaste plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the pH of saliva. Good children's toothpaste should not only effectively clean the teeth, but also help neutralize acids in the mouth. Here are some key characteristics to look for in children's toothpaste:
1. Fluoride: fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of the teeth and prevent cavities. However, it is important to monitor the amount of fluoride in children's toothpaste to avoid dental fluorosis. In France, you have to follow the UFSBD recommendations.
2. Sweet ingredients: Children have sensitive gums. It is therefore crucial to choose toothpaste with gentle ingredients without strong abrasive agents such as coconut (lauryl) sulfate sodium that could damage dental enamel.
3. Neutral or slightly alkaline pH: a toothpaste with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH can help neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of cavities. Please note, all the toothpasters that contain benzoate sodium or sorbate potassium cannot respect the optimal pH, because these two summary preservatives work in an acidic medium, below 5. If you see a powder toothpaste to dissolve or in Paste that contains benzoate sodium or sorbate potassium, inevitably, the pH is not good for the small enamel.
4. Polyol: Some polyols such as erythritol and xylitol have the role of neutralizing the acidity of the mouth.
Tips to maintain a good pH of saliva
In addition to choosing the right toothpaste, here are some tips to help maintain a good pH of saliva in children:
Hydration : Make sure children drink enough water throughout the day to help maintain a good salivary flow.
Balanced diet : Limit foods and sugary or acidic drinks that can lower the pH of saliva. Consume more alkaline foods than acidic foods.
Regular oral hygiene : Encourage children to brush their teeth twice a day and use dental wire to remove food debris and dental plaque.
Conclusion
The pH of saliva is a crucial aspect of children's oral health. By choosing an adapted toothpaste and following good oral hygiene practices, you can help maintain the balance of saliva, thus protecting your children's teeth from cavities and other dental problems. Take care of their smiles today for a healthier future! Lilikiwi's toothpaste have a 7.2 pH ideal for small mouths.
For more information on our dental care products specially designed for children, visit our website or contact us directly cuckoo@lilikiwi.fr.