Oral Care and Its Relationship to Erosion, pH, and Buffer Systems

Introduction

Oral care involves maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting the oral structures from damage. Proper oral care helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, reduce the risk of dental diseases like caries and periodontal disease, and improve overall systemic health. Understanding the relationship between oral care, erosion, pH, and buffer systems is crucial for developing effective strategies for maintaining optimal oral health.

Intra-oral pH

Intra-oral pH refers to the pH level within the oral environment, specifically within the oral cavity. Studies have measured pH in various intraoral locations, including tooth surfaces, mucosa, tongue, palate, floor of the mouth, and in oral fluids such as unstimulated or stimulated whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. Saliva plays a key role in maintaining intra-oral pH and oral homeostasis.

Measuring pH

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH less than 7 indicating acidity and a pH greater than 7 indicating alkalinity. The levels of pH within the oral environment can vary depending on factors such as dietary exposures, bacterial metabolism, antibacterial components in saliva, adequate salivary composition and flow, time of day, and location where saliva pH is measured.

Buffering Systems and Erosion

Erosion occurs when dental hard surfaces are dissolved by exposure to acids not produced by bacteria in the mouth. Buffers play a crucial role in neutralizing the acidity of saliva and protecting tooth enamel from erosion. The bicarbonate buffering system present in saliva helps neutralize intracellular acids, both extrinsic (e.g., soft drinks) and intrinsic (e.g., gastric acid). Salivary pH is modulated by the ratio of bicarbonate/carbonic acid concentrations within the saliva, with increased bicarbonate concentrations elevating pH and assisting with neutralization.

Conclusion

Understanding oral care, erosion, pH, and buffer systems is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental diseases. Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste, can help maintain the pH balance within the oral environment and protect against erosion. Additionally, limiting the consumption of acidic foods and beverages, especially those with low pH levels, can further reduce the risk of dental erosion.