Patent ID: 7160731
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for determining the buffering capacity of saliva, comprising: adding a sample of saliva to each of two or more containers that contain a liquid or gel of predetermined volume, wherein each liquid or gel comprises at least one pH indicator and a different concentration of acid, wherein said different concentrations of acid are selected to provide a different pH value for each liquid or gel within the pH range of 1.5 to 3.0 when a volume of water equal to the volume of saliva is added at a temperature of 25° C. and a humidity of 50%, and wherein the at least one pH indicator exhibits a color transition interval within the pH range of 3.0 to 7.0; determining the color change of each liquid or gel contacted with the saliva sample; wherein the relative color change of each liquid or gel after the addition of the saliva sample is indicative of the buffering capacity of the saliva sample.