The Connection Between Acid Reflux And Dental Erosion

Have you heard that some issues related to your digestive system can lead to problems with your teeth?

Stomach upset often leads to tooth erosion, the gradual wearing down of the protective enamel layer on your teeth. This can cause discoloration of your teeth and allows space for bacterial growth that may cause cavities.

What Is Acid Reflux?

It is a digestive system disease in which stomach acid enters the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. This backward movement of stomach acid can cause several symptoms and discomfort.

The most common symptoms of acid reflux are:

• Heartburn (chest burning)
• Vomiting (acid or food coming back into the throat).
• Heartburn is quite normal at times and can be related to what one eats or simply from consuming too much food.

If symptoms are continually present or severe, the diagnosis may be GERD (chronic reflux).There are various lifestyles and foods associated with acid reflux.

The foods that cause symptoms include fried foods, high-fat foods, spicy foods, citrus foods, foods covered in chocolate, and foods containing caffeine. Also, lying down or bending over after a meal, obesity, and smoking can contribute to the development of acid reflux.

Treatment of acid reflux entails some alterations in diet, changes in behavior, and even prescription drugs.

What Is Tooth Erosion?

Tooth erosion is a process by which the hard outer shell of the teeth, known as enamel, is worn away. When this outer layer wears thin, the softer layers beneath, such as dentin, can show through. This exposure makes your teeth vulnerable to the effects of bacteria and acid; hence, they are likely to develop issues such as tooth decay.

You might notice signs of tooth erosion through symptoms like

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks or sweet foods.
• Teeth appear more rounded
• Minor cracks at the corners
• Yellowing
• Small little pits on the chewing plane
• There is very little transparency in the zone of the front ends of the teeth.

The leading cause of tooth erosion is that acids dissolve your enamel steadily. This acid attack seems to erode the outer layer of the tooth, making your teeth more vulnerable to other dental problems. Proper dental hygiene and checking the signs early can prevent worse situations and promote healthy smiling.

What Is the Connection between Tooth Erosion and Acid Reflux?

Indeed, you might have already guessed it: acid in acid reflux is likely to cause tooth erosion. If a person has acid reflux, known as GERD, the stomach acids can move up to the esophagus and may even reach the mouth. If these acids reach the mouth, they begin dissolving the enamels on the inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth.

If GERD is not treated, these acids will slowly erode the enamel while grinding and gradually move down until they reach the dentin layer, which is softer in composition. When this occurs, it gives way to tooth decay, gum diseases, and, in extreme cases, tooth loss. Taking care of acid reflux is suitable for your stomach, and your teeth are saved from these issues.

Common Tips

Some of the things that can contribute to demineralization of the enamel include eating too many sweets, eating food that has a sour taste, dry mouth, bulimia, excessive drinking, drugs that contain acid, brushing our teeth too hard, and grinding of teeth also known as bruxism.

Among those, the one that seems to be most dangerous for your teeth is acid reflux disease or GERD. Check out these tips to prevent acid reflux from damaging your teeth:

1. Good Dental Care

Clean your teeth thoroughly daily and go for a dental check-up at least once every six months.
Of your enamel. Maintain the hygiene of teeth and gums as advised daily and inform the dentist of any problems you think are relevant.

2. Learn How To Manage Acid Reflux

This process begins by going to see your gastroenterologist doctor. You should discuss this problem with your doctor so they may help you manage your acid reflux and keep the acid from reaching the mouth. Some instructions you might receive include weight loss, limiting acidic foods and portion sizes, sleeping with several pillows under your head, avoiding lying down soon after a meal, smoking cessation, and cutting back on alcohol consumption.

3. Review Your Diet

Your diet might be a source of excessive stress in your life. Reduce the servings of sodas, citrus foods, beverages, and even pasta. You can also use low-acidic orange juice, for instance, and so on.

4. Drink Through A Straw

If you have to take soda or juice, drink with a straw so that such liquid does not come into contact with your teeth.

5. Avoid Using Sugary Gum

It is because this increases saliva production, which brings more acid to the mouth. It also has the added advantage that it will enable you to produce more saliva, which
helps build up teeth with minerals.

6. Do Not Brush Your Teeth After Acidic Meal

Gargle and wait for an hour, then rinse using a soft toothbrush. This is because most acidic foods make the teeth’ enamel softer, so brushing the teeth against soft enamel will damage it.

Final Thoughts

Are you worried about the effect of acid reflux on tooth erosion? If yes, then come to Mathis Dental Office TX. Treatment goals are as follows: we can offer you individual programs concerning your dental situation. Our dentists are fully qualified and well-equipped to perform cosmetic dentistry procedures – for the smile you have always wanted. Get in touch with us today to find out more about us and what we offer.