A pH indicator of the acid-base balance is the pH of saliva. Its magnitude affects most of the biochemical processes occurring in the oral cavity of the individual. It is considered to be the determining factor in the formation of dental deposits, the vital activity of microflora in the oral cavity, and the re- and demineralization of tooth enamel. This indicator reflects the mineralizing and neutralizing properties of saliva, its enzymatic activity and parasitic microflora of the mouth, as well as the rate of ion-exchange processes.
What is saliva?
Saliva is a biological fluid that is important to humans. Its main functions:
- Digestive Food, getting into the mouth, is wetted with saliva, which facilitates its swallowing and improves digestion.
- Excretory. Harmful substances are removed from the oral cavity when spitting saliva.
- Mineralization. Promotes the delivery of vitamins and minerals to the body.
- Buffer room. It neutralizes the acids contained in the stomach and produced by bacteria.
- Moisturizing. Protects the mucous membrane from drying out.
The production of saliva in a healthy individual occurs constantly, and from one to two and a half liters are released per day. Increased salivation occurs when exposed to taste and olfactory stimuli and decreases with fright or stress. During sleep, its production is significantly reduced, so in the morning there is an unpleasant odor from the mouth. This is due to drying out of the oral cavity and a decrease in the effect of saliva on the microorganisms living in it.
What is the acidity and alkalinity of a liquid?
The classification of all liquids is related to the pH value of the acid-base balance. This indicator takes values from 1 (very acidic environment) to 14 (high alkalinity). The neutral value of the acid-base balance is a pH of seven. Human health depends on the pH of the human body. The correct ratio of alkali and acid contributes to the normal functioning of metabolic processes and improves its resistance to various ailments. Increased acidity negatively affects all important systems and weakens the immune system.
Saliva acidity
Normal pH of saliva is in the range of 6.8–7.5. It was found that the acidity of saliva depends on the rate of salivation and at high values it is able to reach a pH of 7.8. For reliability, the measurement results are done on an empty stomach or two hours before or two after a meal. The best time for measurements is from 10 to 12 hours. It should be remembered that saliva production decreases in the evening and at night. With an acidic environment in the mouth, demineralization of tooth enamel, caries formation, and gums become inflamed.
Urine acidity
For a healthy person, when measuring the acidity of urine in the morning, the acceptable interval is 6–6.4, and in the evening - 6.4–7. Urine pH varies with different foods.
For example, meat products contribute to the formation of an acidic environment, and vegetable - leads to an increase in alkaline rate. In addition, urine acidity values change when diseases occur. Therefore, constantly measuring the acid-base balance of urine, you can monitor the nutrition and treatment of the patient.
Determination of urine and saliva PH for health monitoring
To control the pH level of the body, acidity is measured in saliva and urine. When an adult uses mixed food, the reaction of his urine is neutral or slightly acidic and ranges from 5 to 7, the average value is 6. From a change in diet, the urine acidity varies in the range of 4.5–8.
In addition to urine pH, the pH of saliva is measured for health monitoring, the norm of which is in the range of 6.8–7.5. Low levels contribute to the oxidation of enamel and tooth decay. For its prevention, doctors recommend rinsing the oral cavity with soda solution. With a high level of acidity, the body begins to borrow sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium from available resources, most often from skeleton bones, establishing the necessary balance. If the acidity indicators do not coincide with the norm, serious health consequences arise - acidosis with high acidity and alkalosis with high alkalinity.
Litmus paper for determining the acid-base balance
The indicator of acid-base balance of any liquid at home can be checked using strips for determining the pH of saliva, which are litmus (indicator) paper. When it is briefly immersed in the test liquid, the initial color changes from red, corresponding to acidic, to blue, which characterizes an alkaline environment. Indicator paper is a narrow strip saturated with a dye that has a complex chemical composition and high sensitivity. For reliability of storage and protection against moisture, manufacturers pack it in small special enclosure containers made of plastic. Most often in them it is in the form of a roll, so pulling at the end, it is convenient to tear off the required amount.
Before using litmus strips, make sure your hands are dry so as not to distort the measurement results. To determine the acid-base balance, a piece of the litmus strip is placed in the test liquid for two to three seconds, and then the result is compared with a scale of indicators, which, as a rule, is located on the container body. At home, you can quickly check the acidity of all body fluids. Use indicator strips for pH of saliva, urine and tears. All measurements are best done in the morning, before washing, rinsing the mouth and brushing your teeth. Water treatments will distort true pH values. Measurements are also made two hours after a meal. It should be noted that using test strips measure the pH of all products that have a liquid component: water, tea, juice, soups. Subsequently, you can trace the effect of the products used on the change in the acid-base balance of the body.
Electronic pH meter
Often, the determination of pH of saliva and urine is carried out using paper indicators. However, they have low accuracy. And with intensely colored urine can give completely incorrect results. To monitor the condition of the body, even slight deviations from the norm are essential. In addition, for proper diagnosis, measurements must be performed several times a day, so the use of indicator strips does not provide significant savings. The best option for determining the pH of saliva and other body fluids is portable and easy-to-use pH meters. To determine the acid-base balance, the device is immersed in a glass with the test liquid. After a few seconds, the pH value appears on the display. Saliva is collected in a small container, but so that the electrode is completely immersed in it. After using the device, the electrode is rinsed with distilled water, and it is ready for use again. For urine, in order to prevent, it is recommended to measure the pH three times a day for three consecutive days. Measurements of pH of saliva are carried out twice a week, three times a day. Measurements are preferably done on an empty stomach. The use of portable pH meters makes it possible to independently monitor the acidity of the body and timely prevent the development of diseases. In addition, they are convenient to use for clinical research, which allows you to accurately and quickly obtain results.
Acidification or acidosis
The acid-base balance of body fluids is unstable. If the pH of a person is lower than normal, saliva, urine, blood, gastric juice, then there are difficulties with the absorption of minerals. And such elements as magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium are excreted from the body of the individual. Scientists have found that acidification negatively affects the bones, they become brittle, as the acidic environment interferes with the normal absorption of calcium, and the body draws its deficiency from the reserve.
The next negative effect of low acidity is oxygen starvation. The reason for this phenomenon is as follows. Tissues receive insufficient oxygen, which provokes hypoxia. Cellular tissue does not have the necessary energy, oxidation reactions do not occur. As a result, the individual gains weight, he develops depression. Most in this situation, the cardiovascular system begins to suffer. Failure to take timely measures provokes the development of diabetes, problems with bone tissue and joints. Muscle pain occurs due to the accumulation of acid in them.
Alkalization or alkalosis
If a person has a pH of saliva and other biofluids above acceptable values, then alkalosis develops. Fortunately, this condition is extremely rare, and mainly in patients with ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract taking certain medications. When alkalizing food, due to slow digestion, it begins to rot and release toxic substances. Pathology is manifested by weakness, poor appetite, and itching of the dermis. In the tubules of the kidneys, calcium begins to be deposited. At later stages, kidney failure develops, the body does not accept dairy products. The individual’s chronic diseases are exacerbated, frequent constipation appears, and susceptibility to allergens increases. As a result of such a clinical picture, it is difficult to identify and eliminate the true culprit of alkalosis.
Biochemical indicators of saliva in a pregnant woman
Hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during the period of expectation of a baby provoke the development of diseases in the oral cavity. Contributes to this phenomenon, an increase in microorganisms as a result of changes in the properties of local immunity. During this period, the pH of saliva also changes, its ability to neutralize acids decreases, the stability of hard tooth tissues weakens, which provokes gingivitis. Physiological pregnancy is characterized by a slight decrease in acidity, magnesium, calcium. In addition, salivation also decreases.
With an abnormal course of pregnancy, biochemical changes appear more clearly. With early toxicosis, the content of calcium and phosphorus decreases, and the acidity of saliva increases. There is a slight increase in salivation. Toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy is accompanied by an even greater decrease in the pH of saliva, phosphorus and calcium, as well as salivation. Acidification provokes tooth decay, exacerbates the inflammatory process in periodontal tissues. It is possible to correct the situation by using special toothpastes and mouth rinses that have bactericidal and immunocorrective properties. These hygiene products are selected individually by the doctor.
Ways to normalize acidity
With the pathological condition of the body, it is quite difficult to restore the balance of alkali and acid. However, it is quite possible to lower or increase with the help of proper nutrition and medication recommended by the doctor. The following are products that increase acidity:
- salt;
- Fish and seafood;
- cereals and legumes;
- meat;
- sugar and its substitutes;
- sweet carbonated drinks;
- wheat flour products;
- alcohol-containing drinks;
- tobacco.
However, it should be noted that regular use of these products negatively affects the body and leads to a decrease in immunity, the occurrence of pancreatitis and gastritis. In women, an increase in acidity negatively affects reproductive function, while in men it provokes infertility and impotence, since sperm cells die in an acidic environment.
The following products increase alkaline environment:
- parsley;
- spinach;
- ginger;
- garlic;
- juices from vegetables;
- watermelon;
- peach;
- citrus;
- melon;
- mango.
Balances the acidity of water, nuts, lettuce. To maintain the pH of saliva and other fluids in the individual's body, it is normal to drink alkaline mineral water according to the following scheme:
- one glass in the morning;
- two - during the day.
In addition, it is advisable to use this water for cooking, brewing tea.
Conclusion
Excess acid is excreted from the body of the individual with feces, urine, then, through the dermis, by exhalation or neutralized by its own forces. If these processes are disturbed, then the body becomes acidic. You can check this by measuring the acidity of saliva or urine at home.
At the first signs of acidification, you should change your diet, excluding animal proteins and carbohydrates from it. Further, it is desirable to evaluate the pH for two weeks until they are fully normalized. It must be remembered that the acidic environment in the oral cavity provokes the occurrence of caries, inflammation of the gums, the appearance of erosion on the tissues of the teeth, and also the demineralization of tooth enamel. And the acidity of urine depends on the foods used. The acidic environment is formed by meat food.