title: Oral pH in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to compare surface pH in various parts of the oral cavity between patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and healthy controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a flat pH meter sensor, fixed electrode pen type digital pH meter, oral pH levels were assessed at different mucosal sites among 34 GERD patients and 32 healthy controls. Salivary flow rates and buffering capacity were also assessed in them. A thorough oral examination was performed to screen for any oral and dental changes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significantly lower pH of 6.65 ± 0.13 (mean ± SD) was found in the GERD group compared to control group 7.23 ± 0.12 (p < 0.05). Least pH was found in the floor of the mouth 6.594 ± 0.17 and highest in the lower labial mucosa among the GERD patients. Salivary flow rate and buffering capacity were low in these patients. Significant changes were noticed in the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity among the GERD group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral mucosal pH is altered in GERD patients and may contribute to effects on the oral cavity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, MSRIT Post, M S R Nagar, Bengaluru, 560 054, India. s_sujathajanardhan@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sujatha
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, MSRIT Post, M S R Nagar, Bengaluru, 560 054, India.
authors.forename: Umesh
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Jalihal
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, MSRIT Post, M S R Nagar, Bengaluru, 560 054, India.
authors.forename: Yashoda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Devi
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, MSRIT Post, M S R Nagar, Bengaluru, 560 054, India.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rakesh
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Shree Bankey Bihari Dental College and Research Centre, Ahead Masuri Canal, NH-24, Masuri, Kakrana, 201 302, India.
authors.forename: Pallavi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chauhan
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, MSRIT Post, M S R Nagar, Bengaluru, 560 054, India.
authors.forename: Shivani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth; D012472:Salivation / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Buffering capacity; GERD; Oral pH; Salivary flow rate