How to Test Saliva PH

pH is a quantity that expresses the acidity of the aqueous media. The neutral media has pH of 7. Acidic solutions have pH values below 7, while a pH greater than 7 is basic. The saliva pH of a healthy individual is close to neutral, in the range from 6.5 to 7.2. Deviations from the normal values of the saliva acidity may indicate problems with the body's digestive system. Furthermore, a number of scientific studies links the cancer progression with the acidification of saliva. Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy may cause salivary gland disorders that also result in lowering the saliva pH.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Saliva pH paper
• Microscope glass slide

1. Acquire a special short range pH paper for saliva.

2. Avoid eating, drinking or brushing your teeth in the morning before the saliva test.

3. Fill your mouth with saliva and carefully spit on the microscope glass slide.

4. Cut a piece (about one inch in length) of the pH paper, and put one end of the paper strip into the saliva sample.

5. Compare the color of the paper with the scale printed on the pH paper pack to determine the pH value. Make notes consisting of the date, time and saliva pH in the log book.

6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 for three to five days. If your saliva pH is consistently around or below "6" being acidic, seek medical advice.

Tips & Warnings

• Microscope glass slides are precleaned and typically inspected to be free from moisture, dirt or film.

• Use them to get accurate pH reading. If you do not have a glass slide, you may use a clean and dry spoon.

References

• "pH Balance"; Natural Health School.
• "Altered biochemical parameters in the saliva of patients with breast cancer," Ebru Emekli-Alturfan, Gokhan Demir, Eniel Kasikci, Tugba Tunali-Akbay, Rabia Pisiriciler, Esin Caliskan and Aysen Yarat, Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol. 214, Iss 2, Pages: 89-96.

Resources

• Urine & Saliva pH Paper 5.5-8.0