Salivary stimulation-could it play a role in GERD management?

Comparative Study of Salivary pH, Buffer Capacity, and Flow in Patients with and without Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The oral cavity has specific and individualized characteristics, with pH, saliva flow, buffer capacity, temperature, and microorganisms content influencing oral health. Currently, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is constantly increasing. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the saliva quantity at 5 min, salivary pH, and salivary buffer capacity in patients with and without GERD, necessary for establishing the correct dental treatment plan. A Saliva-Check Buffer (GC) kit was used for the determination of salivary variables. The total number of 80 patients included in the study were divided into a study group and a control group, each containing 40 patients. Saliva quantity at 5 min was lower in patients suffering from GERD. The salivary pH of these patients turned to acid values compared to the salivary pH of controls, where the values were within the normal range. In patients with GERD, the determined salivary buffer capacity was low or very low. The use of the Saliva-Check Buffer (GC) kit is a simple, easy, non-invasive and patient-accepted method, which can also be used in the dentist's office to assess the saliva buffer capacity and pH, variables that are important for establishing a correct dental treatment plan.

Pathophysiology and treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease: looking beyond acid

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder due to the retrograde flow of refluxate into the esophagus. Although GERD is a common clinical diagnosis, its pathogenesis is quite complex. As a result of its multifactorial development, many patients continue to experience adverse symptoms due to GERD despite prolonged acid suppression with proton pump inhibitor therapy. The pathogenesis of GERD involves an interplay of chemical, mechanical, psychologic, and neurologic mechanisms, which contribute to symptom presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. As such, GERD should be approached as a disorder beyond acid. This review will investigate the major factors that contribute to the development of GERD, including factors related to the refluxate, esophageal defenses, and factors that promote pathologic reflux into the esophagus. In reviewing GERD pathogenesis, this paper will highlight therapeutic advances, with mention of future opportunities of study when approaching GERD.