Abstract
To describe a novel approach for continuous measurement of intra-oral pH and temperature in individuals carrying out normal daily activities over 24h. We designed, validated and constructed a custom-made appliance fitted with a pH probe and a thermocouple. Six subjects wore the appliance over a 24-h period for two non-consecutive days, while the intra-oral pH and temperature were measured continuously and recorded. Intra-oral pH and temperature were very similar across different recording days, the difference being not statistically significant (P014). There was a noticeable difference in the pattern of variation of pH between day and night. During the day, the mean pH was 73 (+/- 04) and dropped markedly only after consumption of acidic food and drinks. The intra-oral pH decreased slowly during sleep with an average pH of 66 (+/- 04) being recorded. The difference between day and night was statistically significant (P=0002). The mean intra-oral temperature was 339 degrees C (+/- 09) during daytime and 359 degrees C (+/- 05) during sleep (P=0013) with minor fluctuations occurring over 24h. The continuous and simultaneous intra-oral pH and temperature measurement system described in this report is reliable, easy to construct, able to measure variables over a sustained period and may serve as a future diagnostic tool in a number of applications.