More than 10 percent of people experience the burning and discomfort of heartburn every day. What many don’t know is that heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a common symptom of chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesopheageal reflux disease (GERD).
What is acid reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux occurs when muscles of the lower esophagus relax and allow stomach acids to flow upwards into the esophagus and even the mouth. These stomach acids can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus while negatively impacting your oral health. Acid reflux may progress further, developing into GERD. In patients who have GERD, the esophageal muscles are unable to keep stomach acids from flowing upwards, causing corrosion of the esophageal lining and the uncomfortable burning sensation associated with heartburn.
Signs and symptoms
Though often times difficult to detect, GERD can be associated with the following signs and symptoms:
Heartburn
Difficulty swallowing
Regurgitation
Burning sensation in mouth
Sore throat
Nausea, vomiting, belching
Chronic coughing
Erosion of tooth enamel
Tooth sensitivity
Chipping, discoloration of teeth
Bad breath
How does GERD affect your oral health?
In addition to damaging the esophagus and increasing your risk of esophageal cancer, over time GERD can erode tooth enamel. Research indicates tooth enamel begins to erode at a pH, or acid level, of 5.5. With a pH of less than 2.0, your stomach acid can easily damage tooth enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity, decay, discoloration, and chipping.
Treatments and lifestyle modifications
GERD can be diagnosed by your physi- cian using a variety of tests, including pH monitoring, X-rays, or endoscopy. Though GERD is a chronic condition, its symptoms can be treated using medications and lifestyle modifications. In addition to taking over-the-counter antacids and prescription H2 receptor blockers, you can reduce GERD symptoms by:
Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, including chocolate, spicy/greasy foods, tomato-based foods, alcohol, and coffee
Quitting smoking
Refraining from eating several hours before bed, or lying down two to three hours after eating
Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
Avoiding tight clothing
Protect your teeth against acid reflux
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent acid reflux or GERD from damaging your teeth and causing decay. In addition to brushing twice a day, you can take the following steps to ensure GERD doesn’t impact your oral health:
Visit your dentist regularly for tooth enamel evaluation
Use dentin-sensitive toothpaste
Rinse your mouth with water following acid reflux episodes
Do not brush your teeth for 60 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks
Dissolve baking soda in water and swish around the mouth after acid reflux occurs
Receive fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth
Wear a dentist-prescribed mouthguard at night to prevent acid from damaging your teeth
Avoid over-the-counter antacids, especially at night, that have a high sugar content
If you believe you may be at risk for acid reflux or GERD, speak with your dentist or physician. Though GERD can be incredibly damaging to your oral health, lifestyle modifications and treatment can help ensure your teeth remain safe and healthy.
