Oral Findings, Salivary Bicarbonate, and Phosphate Levels in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The neutralization of stomach's acidic contents and protection of esophageal mucous membrane during reflux episodes is the primary function of the major buffering components of saliva, bicarbonate, and phosphate. The concentrations of inorganic compounds in the saliva of subjects who have Gastroesophageal reflux disease versus healthy individuals are poorly understood. In this work, the aim of study was to assess the occurrence of soft tissues alterations and symptoms in oral cavity and analysis of bicarbonate and phosphate to evaluate their levels in saliva of patients with GERD and compare with control individuals. A case-control study included 25 GERD patients diagnosed both clinically and endoscopically (GERD Group), 25 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms with no endoscopic signs of GERD (non GERD group) and 25 healthy subjects (control group) have been evaluated through visual examination of the oral mucosa, oral symptoms, non-stimulated salivary flow rate, swallowing function, in addition to the estimation of salivary concentration of bicarbonate and phosphate. Study result was significantly higher salivary bicarbonate in GERD patients (p< 0.05), significantly lower Salivary flow rate and swallowing frequency compared to non-GERD group and control group. Among the patients with GERD, 56% of the cases suffering from oral dryness, 40% halitosis, 28% acid taste, 20% burning sensation, 20% palatal erythema. Salivary bicarbonate, oral symptom and mucosal alteration were shown to be significantly related to GERD. Therefore, GERD should be taken into account by dentists as a possible risk factor for oral health.