Evaluation of salivary pH and buffering capacity in gastroesophageal reflux among patients with dental erosion

TL;DR

GERD patients have lower salivary pH and buffering capacity, leading to increased dental erosion compared to controls.

Contribution

This study establishes a link between GERD-related salivary changes and dental erosion severity.

Findings

GERD patients showed significantly reduced salivary pH and buffering capacity.

Dental erosion was more prevalent and severe in GERD patients compared to controls.

Salivary parameters were negatively correlated with erosion severity in GERD patients.

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) places the mouth tissues under the acidic effects of the gastrointestinal secretions, which may
affect the protective effects of salivation and increase the susceptibility of the dentures. Therefore, it is of interest to compare
salivary pH, buffering capacity and dental erosion among 45 GERD patients and 45 controls. The patients with GERD demonstrated a large
reduction in salivary PH and buffering capacity, and dental erosion was much more prevalent. The salivary parameters were found to be
negatively correlated with the erosion severity. The impact of GERD-related changes in saliva is a significant factor in the case of
dental erosion, which justifies the significance of interdisciplinary prevention and management approaches.