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.

Things You'll Need

• Saliva pH paper
• Microscope glass slide

Show More

Instructions

• 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.