The Effects of Toothpaste pH on Enamel

What to Know About the pH of Toothpastes

Although many shoppers continuously choose the same brand of toothpaste they have used for years, either due to the taste, flavor, or whitening effects, it is extremely important for individuals’ oral health to consult their dentist before their next purchase. The reason for this involves the pH levels in toothpaste, which, as many likely don’t realize, can affect the enamel of teeth. Since people only receive one set of teeth their entire life, prudent consideration should be made when it comes to keeping teeth healthy and strong, which often means choosing a toothpaste with the proper pH.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pH ranges from 0 to 14 and is used to grade a substance’s acidity. Acids range between 0 and 7 on the scale whereas bases fall between 7 and 14. To put it in simpler terms, pH measures the amount of hydrogen ions a substance carries. The more acidic a product is, the more ions it contains.

Our bodies maintain their pH balance within a specific range from 7.35 to 7.45, according to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. If one is trying to determine a safe level in toothpaste or mouthwash, the pH scale is helpful in decision-making.

It’s good to keep in mind that the lower the pH level, the more acidic and harmful the toothpaste can be. Because of this, more acidic toothpastes can be especially harmful to enamel. Over-the-counter whitening products can also be unsafe because the pH level is “significantly lower,” according to the National Institutes of Health. PH levels can range from an acidic 3.76 to a basic and safer 9.68, which is why speaking with a dentist before trying any kind of whitening regime is imperative.

Using toothpaste with fluoride is a good choice for enamel due to it being about 6.6 on the pH scale. Fluoride is a weak base and does not eat away at enamel, and it also works as a remineralizing agent by blocking decay.

Best practices for good oral health always include a regular checkup with one’s dentist. Ask he or she to determine how hard or weak your enamel is and then recommend the best toothpaste for your needs. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s good to consider a toothpaste designed specifically for that. Most importantly, consult your dentist about the pH levels in all of your oral care products. If your mouth is healthy, it will have a near-neutral pH level.

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