how acid reflux impacts oral health

Do you suffer from occasional or frequent heartburn? Did you know the painful burning sensation you feel from acid reflux, or GERD, can have a direct link to your oral health? It’s true. Just like it damages your esophagus and stomach lining, acid reflux can have a big impact on your teeth. Here’s how.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the muscles at the lower end of the esophagus, which allow food into your stomach, relax at the wrong time. This causes stomach acid to travel up your esophagus, and at times, into your mouth. If you have the disease, you’re at risk for serious damage to your esophagus, which can include developing cancer. In most instances, you’re at an even greater risk for experiencing tooth erosion and periodontal disease.

There are a number of factors that can cause the esophageal sphincter responsible for GERD to weaken:

  • Overeating, especially fried, fatty, and spicy food
  • An unhealthy weight
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Certain foods like citrus, chocolate, tomatoes, raw onions, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages
  • Medications

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

While the most common symptoms are heartburn and acid indigestion, you might also experience coughing, a hoarse voice, sinus infections, difficulty swallowing, and abdominal pain. You could also suffer tooth erosion and develop bad breath.

Some people have GERD and don’t even know it. In fact, your dentist might notice you have a problem before you do! During a routine exam she or he might notice tooth erosion or other oral signs of trouble.

How Does Acid Reflux Affect Your Oral Health?

GERD can wear away tooth enamel on both the inside and chewing surfaces. Sadly, tooth erosion is permanent. When tooth enamel wears away you could:

  • Notice discoloration of your teeth
  • Feel sensitivity or pain, especially when drinking cold, hot, or sweet beverages
  • Develop cavities
  • Notice loose fillings

In extreme cases, you could even develop abscesses or experience tooth loss.

Once erosion occurs, your dentist might recommend fillings, a root canal, crowns, or tooth extraction. You might also opt for veneers to restore your smile.

What Can You Do About Acid Reflux?

There are steps you can take to protect your teeth and get relief from acid reflux. Diet, lifestyle changes, and medications are often beneficial. You should always see your doctor if you have symptoms of GERD and work with them to treat the underlying causes of the condition. Treatment strategies might include:

  • Prescription medications
  • Avoiding trigger foods
  • Eating smaller meals

See Your Dentist Regularly

If you’ve been diagnosed with acid reflux, be sure to schedule regular visits with your dentist so they can make sure your teeth stay healthy. They can also offer helpful suggestions on preventing tooth enamel erosion and suggest ways to relieve dry mouth.

Remember, you might not realize that your heartburn is doing damage to your teeth. Twice-yearly checkups can help your dentist notice signs and symptoms and recommend steps to take to protect your oral health.

To schedule a checkup and to learn more about recognizing how GERD might be affecting your teeth, contact Kanehl Dental Group today.