Piloting an intraoral pH device to track gastroesophageal reflux in adults

Abstract This study evaluated in vivo, an intraoral device against the gold standard esophageal device for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) monitoring. Subjects scheduled for a catheter-based esophageal pH/impedance testing at a gastroenterology clinic were recruited. They were screened using the GerdQ questionnaire, demographics and dental conditions recorded. A prototype intraoral device, consisting of a Bravo™ capsule embedded in an Essix-style retainer fabricated for each subject, monitored intraoral pH. Concurrently, subjects underwent 24-h esophageal pH-impedance monitoring. A self-administered survey elicited the comfort and acceptance of both devices. The study recruited ten adult subjects (23 to 60-years-old) with a median GerdQ score of 9.5 corresponding to a 79% likelihood of GERD. Subjects with severe dental erosion had significantly (p