How does the oral microbiome affect pH? Why oral pH matters
Skip to main content Skip to navigation Skip to footer

Please rotate your device to portrait mode for optimum user experience.

SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
×

Sign up for special offers and updates

Mother's Day Sale Ends:Mother's Day Sale Ends: Sale Ends:
 [ 02 days :
02
hrs
:
30
mins
: 22 sec ]
SEE DEALS
SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
text added
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> ORAL MICROBIOME, PH

How does the oral microbiome affect pH?

Rachel Stroble, RDH, CDA, MS

Understanding oral pH and how to correct harmful bacterial proliferation for a healthier mouth.

What is the oral microbiome?

The oral microbiome is the natural community of microbes (germs) that live inside your mouth. This includes bacteria, viruses, and fungi [5]. Generally, this includes good bacteria and bad bacteria, and not everyone’s oral microbiome is the same. In fact, your daily habits have a big impact on it. Do you eat sugary foods often? Do you sip on soda? These habits impact your oral microbiome and your oral (and potentially whole-body) health!

The bacteria in your mouth alter oral pH

The bacteria that cause cavities love acid. They grow more quickly in an acidic environment, and they also produce acid as a by-product of their metabolism of simple carbohydrates [1]. The more bad bacteria present in your mouth, the more acidic your oral environment is likely to be. In addition, the more acidic your oral pH is, the more bad bacteria you will have. This makes for a vicious cycle that can cause a spiraling effect. Acidic pH and the overgrowth of bad bacteria also cause bad breath!

Acidic pH is damaging

Your dentist may have told you that sugar causes cavities, but did you know that it is more complicated than that? Acid in your diet alters the overall pH of your mouth and causes an overgrowth of the bad bacteria that causes dental disease, such as cavities [1] . Teeth are made of minerals, namely calcium and phosphate. Acid is damaging because it leaches minerals out of the teeth. Then, the teeth become weaker, and this allows bad bacteria to invade into the demineralized structures of the teeth, which is how cavities form.

The germs in your mouth can be the difference between health and disease

There are certain types of bacteria known to cause dental disease. However, there are also good bacteria in your oral microbiome. The balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria makes all the difference between a healthy mouth and a state of disease. Furthermore, studies have shown that dental disease is connected to systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s [2,3] ! By protecting your oral health, you are also helping to safeguard your whole body.

The benefits of alkaline or neutral pH

Alkaline pH is beneficial to your oral health! In an alkaline environment, disease-causing bacteria cannot grow and reproduce as aggressively. Therefore, there is a decreased risk of cavities and periodontal disease. An alkaline pH also has systemic benefits, including lower blood pressure and lower diabetes risk [4] .

How you can manage oral pH

Now that you know the importance of your mouth’s pH, here are some steps you can take to improve your oral pH and protect your health. Effective brushing that removes the biofilm (plaque) from your teeth is key, as is cleaning in between the teeth with floss, a water flosser, or interdental brush. Decreasing your intake of acidic and sugary foods is also beneficial. After meals, chewing sugar-free gum helps to stimulate saliva flow and neutralize pH. Choosing a gum that contains xylitol has even greater benefits! Lastly, you may consider an oral probiotic, which helps to rebalance the oral microbiome, neutralize pH, and can even help your body absorb nutrients from your food more effectively [4] !

Rachel Stroble

Rachel Stroble is a researcher, professor of dental hygiene at Rose State College in Oklahoma, and registered dental hygienist with 10 years of experience in dentistry. She supports education in the classroom with her own students, in the professional community through the development and presentation of continuing education courses, and you may have seen her articles in RDH Magazine, Today’s RDH, and the Oklahoma Dental Association Journal.

View My Profile Contact Rachel

References

  1. Kulshrestha, S., Khan, S., Hasan, S., Khan, M. E., Misba, L., & Khan, A. U. (2015). Calcium fluoride nanoparticles induced suppression of Streptococcus mutans biofilm: An in vitro and in vivo approach. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 100(4), 1901–1914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-015-7154-4
  2. Little, J. W., Miller, C. S., Rhodus, N. L., & Little, J. W. (2018). Little and Falace’s dental management of the medically compromised patient (Ninth edition.). Elsevier.
  3. Little, J. W., Miller, C. S., Rhodus, N. L., & Little, J. W. (2018). Little and Falace’s dental management of the medically compromised patient (Ninth edition.). Elsevier.
    Maurer, K., Rahming, S., & Prvulovic, D. (2018). Dental health in advanced age and Alzheimer’s disease: A possible link with bacterial toxins entering the brain? Psychiatry Research. Neuroimaging, 282, 132–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.06.009
  4. Rosier, B., Moya-Gonzalvez, E. M., Corell-Escuin, P., & Mira, A. (2020). Isolation and characterization of nitrate-reducing bacteria as potential probiotics for oral and systemic health. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 555465. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.555465
  5. Saini, R., Saini, S., & Sharma, S. (2011). Biofilm: A dental microbial infection. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine, 2(1), 71–75. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-9668.82317

RELATED ARTICLES

Oil pulling for improved oral health

By: Anu Isaac

What is biofilm?

By: Rachel Stroble

Cold & Flu Season: How we get sick and how to prevent it

By: Esmy Ornelas

Why does sugar cause cavities? The science of sugar, acidity, and decay

By: Rachel Stroble

Can mouthwash actually cause bad breath?

By: Esmy Ornelas

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN
Shipping icon: a box with a checkmark
FREE SHIPPING OVER $35
Hassle-free returns icon: a package with a return arrow
HASSLE-FREE RETURNS
Secure checkout icon: a shield with a checkmark
100% SECURE CHECKOUT

SUBSCRIBE! Discounts. Recommendations. New products.

smilebrilliant logo

Smile Brilliant makes it easy to improve your oral health & beauty through a suite of professional teeth whitening & oral care products shipped directly to your door.

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!

  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • ProShield Custom Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!  Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • ABOUT US
    • GUARANTEE
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
Menu
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING