Some health conditions can greatly affect your teeth. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux disease, is one of those health conditions. If you have GERD the liquid content of your stomach refluxes or moves up into your esophagus, which is the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach.
More than 3 million cases of GERD are diagnosed each year in the United States and GERD most often affects persons 50 years and older.1 While you can get an occasional bout of acid reflux, frequent acid reflux is categorized as GERD. GERD is moderate to severe reflux that occurs at least once a week, or mild reflux that occurs at least twice a week.2
Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest); backwash or regurgitation of food or sour liquid; upper abdominal or chest pain; trouble swallowing or a sensation of a lump in your throat.3
Regular dental check-ups can detect GERD because dentists can see the erosion of the tooth enamel that is caused by GERD.
What happens to your teeth?
If you have GERD the stomach acid coming up from your esophagus into your mouth eats away at the enamel on your teeth. The back teeth and the inside of the teeth are usually the first places dentists notice the erosion.
Erosion of tooth enamel is permanent and creates an environment for dental decay. Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance produced in your body and it is the outermost cover over the entire surface of your teeth. Enamel is the first and most important line of defense against tooth decay and if it is damaged you could not only develop cavities and tooth infections, but your teeth can also become sensitive to hot and cold.4
How can you protect your teeth?
Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum can encourage saliva production which helps wash away acids and enzymes. If you have frequent dry mouth symptoms, talk with your dentist or doctor about ways to eliminate this issue.
Most people can use a combination of lifestyle changes and drug therapy to treat GERD. The best thing you can do to treat GERD is to lose weight if you are overweight.5 Avoiding food and beverages, such as caffeine, that increase the level of acid in your stomach is also a recommended dietary change.
Other recommendations include removing fatty foods and alcohol from your diet as well as avoiding eating large meals. It is further recommended that you quit smoking and you don’t lie down for three hours after eating. When you do lie down you should elevate the level of your head. Medications such as antacids, histamine blockers, Proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents can also alleviate GERD symptoms.6
Take Away
The information in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat GERD. If you suspect that you may have GERD, it is highly recommended that you consult with your physician. It is also wise to establish and maintain proper oral health practices including regular dental visits or checkups.
Contact our dental clinic in Walled Lake if you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental well-being. Your safety is our top priority, and we will attend to your dental requirements with utmost care. In addition to providing general dentistry services, Dr. Hechtman specializes in the most advanced techniques and treatments in cosmetic dentistry and tooth restoration. Whether you seek teeth whitening, smile repair, or a routine teeth cleaning and checkup, it all starts with a complimentary consultation. Reach out now to book an appointment!
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1 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Link: https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=43&q=what+is+GERD&cvid=98272be2b8374387acca9a2c1eda5e3f&aqs=edge..69i57j0l8.4071j0j1&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=U531
2 How Acid Reflux and GERD can Damage Your Teeth, 12/26/2020
Link: https://dentagama.com/news/how-acid-reflux-and-gerd-can-damage-your-teeth
3 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
4 Enamel: The Shield for Your Teeth, 1/9/2023
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/what-is-tooth-enamel#
5, 6 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment
Link: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-treatment