How to detect if stomach acid is backing up to my mouth

[johnsim]

Hello. I need a clarification. I might have GERD. The doctor is not sure yet. Sometime, I feel very light burning sensation on my tongue. When it happens, I measure pH of my saliva. But usually pH is around 7.0. In case acid from my stomach is coming back to my mouth, should it appear on a pH test? Or buffering is so strong that it would very quickly neutralize any effect of the acid?

Thank you.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to MedHelp's forums.  Thanks for your question.  Do you, in general, suffer heartburn or acid reflux/gerd?  Typically, when acid backs up the esophagus and gets into our mouth, it has a rather distinctive taste.  I don't think you really need to test the ph of it to tell.  Especially if you have gerd and it is coming up to your throat say after a burp.  Here is a symptom tracker that you can use to also help.  https://symptomchecker.webmd.com/single-symptom?symptom=taste-of-acid-in-mouth&symid=191

Best to see your doctor for evaluation.  Gerd is very treatable.  Let us know how you are doing.