Concerns About High Oral pH Levels
I'm 29 years old, weighing 160 lbs and standing at 5’6”. I don't use any recreational drugs but do consume alcohol socially. My medications include Vyvanse at 70mg and Spironolactone at 150mg. For several years, I've been struggling with an unpleasant white coating on my tongue. This has persisted despite my efforts; I brush my teeth three times a day, utilize mouthwash, and scrape my tongue every single day, yet the issue remains unresolved. I acknowledge that I should increase my water intake. After consulting with my dentist, their advice was simply to continue scraping. I feel quite frustrated at this point. Recently, I conducted a pH test and found my oral pH to be 10, which indicates a highly alkaline environment. Could this be contributing to my problem? Does this high pH level indicate something more serious? Any guidance or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 3:30:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation regarding the persistent white coating on your tongue and high oral pH levels. Managing oral health issues can be challenging, especially when typical measures like brushing and scraping don't seem to help.
Main Points:
- A high oral pH (10) can indicate an imbalance that may contribute to the white coating on your tongue, but it isn't typically seen as normal.
- The coating may be linked to factors such as dry mouth, oral hygiene practices, or potentially an issue with underlying health conditions.
Explanation:
A pH level of 10 is indeed high and suggests that your mouth environment is more alkaline than normal, which should typically be around 6-7. This might lead to changes in the oral microbiome, promoting certain bacteria or yeast that can contribute to a white coating on your tongue. While maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, other factors like hydration, diet, and possible medical conditions can also influence your oral health.
Next Steps:
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Increase Hydration: As you mentioned you should increase your water intake, aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Keeping your mouth moist can help in reducing the coating.
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Dietary Considerations: Evaluate your diet for high-acidic or sugary foods that may affect pH levels negatively and try to limit them. A diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and low-sugar fruits can promote better oral health.
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Use pH-Balancing Mouthwash: Consider using a mouthwash that is specifically designed to balance pH levels rather than traditional alcohol-based ones, which can be drying.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a diary of your routine, including what you eat, your water intake, and any changes in the coating. This can help identify specific triggers or changes in your condition.
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Monitor Changes: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting a healthcare provider or a specialist, such as a dentist with expertise in oral conditions or a gastroenterologist, to explore whether there is an underlying condition contributing to your symptoms.
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Discuss Medications: Since you are on Vyvanse and Spironolactone, talk to your healthcare provider about whether these could be influencing your oral health.
Taking these steps should help you manage the coating on your tongue and work towards achieving a more balanced oral environment. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance!
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