Does gingivitis change the pH of a person's mouth?

The saliva can help neutralize the acid, but eating acidic foods can increase the acidity of the saliva. If the pH takes a long time to neutralize in the mouth, it may give bad bacteria enough time to wreak havoc on the teeth and gums. Typically it may take a few minutes or a few hours for the pH to neutralize. read more

There are however most definitely changes in pH locally under the gums as gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. More important than pH with respect to gum disease is the redox potential (just like in chemistry). The redox potential falls to accommodate aggressive strains of bacteria. read more

The pH of the mouth can change dramatically with the types of foods we eat. Foods that are highly acidic, like lemons, lowers the pH, while foods like melons increases the pH. The saliva can help neutralize the acid, but eating acidic foods can increase the acidity of the saliva. read more

People with gum disease often have a kind of bacteria in their mouth that affects their taste buds, making water unpalatable. If you dislike water, and have bad gums, try adding one teaspoons of xylitol into water and sip this, in place of soda, for a week. read more