Dental Talk Thursday | How GERD Effects Your Teeth

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Dental Talk Thursday | How GERD Effects Your Teeth

Let's talk teeth!

For this week's Dental Talk Thursday we are going to be talking about how GERD effects your teeth.

The stomach’s gastric acids are refluxed up through the esophagus and into the oral cavity. Constant exposure to these acids can erode the tooth’s outer surface (enamel).

Tooth enamel begins to dissolve at a pH (acid level) of 5.5 and because stomach acid has an extremely low pH of 2.0, significant chemical erosion could result. If significant enamel is lost, then the underlying tissue (called dentin) may be exposed. This can lead to permanent weakening of the teeth that are prone to chipping, increased wear and decay, as well as sensitivity.

TIPS:

Visit a dental hygienist for regular professional cleaning and evaluation/treatment for tooth erosion.
Brush twice a day using toothpaste for dentin sensitivity. Use low abrasive fluoridated toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Toothpastes containing baking soda are low in abrasion and will aid in neutralizing acids.
Do not brush after being exposed to acid, whether from acid reflux or food and beverages. Because acid softens the tooth’s surface, brushing will cause more enamel loss. Wait 60 minutes until the natural flow of saliva washes away and neutralizes the acids.
After reflux episodes, rinse with water or use a sugar free antacid and let it dissolve in the mouth.
Avoid mint flavored products, since they relax the valve that can release the backward flow of stomach acid.
Adopt lifestyle changes, e.g., avoid alcohol and nicotine. Smoking decreases the esophageal sphincter’s ability to function properly.
Eat smaller more frequent meals; eating a lot of food at one time increases the amount of acid needed to digest it.