Lifestyle, Dietary Factors, and Salivary pH in Young Adults with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

DOI: https://doie.org/10.10399/JBSE.2026578612

Suganya P, Aditya. C, Dr. Savitha Lakshmi Raghavan, Dr. Rajkumar Manoharan, Anita M. Senthilnathan Kowsalya, Charumathi Dhanushkodi.

Keywords:

Salivary pH, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, oral health, systemic diseases, BMI, Socio-economic status

Abstract:

Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder that is increasingly observed among young adults. Repeated exposure of the oral cavity to gastric acid may influence salivary properties and contribute to oral health complications.

Objective: To evaluate the association between gastro-esophageal reflux disease and salivary pH levels among individuals aged 18–35 years in Tamil Nadu, India.

Methods:A case control study was carried out with 100 participants aged between 18-35 years with 50 GERD patients and 50 non-GERD controls. A six-item GERD questionnaire that was validated was used to determine the GERD status. The structured questionnaire was used to record the sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, and body mass index (BMI). Measurement of unstimulated salivary pH with standardized pH indicator strips was done at least two hours after eating. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze data.

Results:The salivary PH values were also significantly reduced in participants with GERD than in those without GERD (P < 0.05). The GERD group had more unhealthy lifestyle choices, consumption of spicy and acidic foods, meals taken late in the day, and the lack of sufficient sleep time. Though it was found that higher values of BMI were observed among the GERD participants, they were not found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion:Among young adults, there is a strong relationship between low salivary pH and gastro-esophageal reflux disease, potentially exposing individuals to the risk of oral conditions associated with acid. Early GERD diagnosis and proper lifestyle and dietary changes can be beneficial in reducing the possible oral complications.

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