The distribution of oral mucosal pH values in healthy saliva secretors

OBJECTIVES: To establish the normal range of oral mucosal pH and to correlate these measurements to salivary flow rate in healthy individuals according to age and gender. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Measurements of pH levels using a flat pH meter and salivary secretion rates were established in eight mucosal sites from a total of 50 healthy individuals. RESULTS: The mean pH (+/-s.d.) of all sites was 6.78 +/- 0.04 with significant differences between mean pH values in the palate (7.34 +/- 0.38), the floor of the mouth (6.5 +/- 0.3), the buccal mucosa (6.28 +/- 0.36) and the tongue (6.8 +/- 0.26). A significant correlation was found between age and pH at palatal and tongue sites but no gender effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This method is easy and relatively quick to manipulate, and may offer many diagnostic possibilities for oral related diseases and disorders such as oral malodour, mouth breathing, dysgeusia, acidic diet consumption and gastrointestinal disorders affecting the mouth.