Facts You Need to Know About Acid Reflux From Our Dentist Office

As a dentist, it is important for our patients to understand the far-reaching impact of acid reflux.  GERD or reflux disorder impacts millions of people and has significant health consequences, including impacting the teeth. According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, more than twenty percent of U.S. adults suffer from symptoms on a weekly basis with a total of sixty percent of the population experiencing symptoms at least once a year.  For those that deal with reflux on a weekly basis, the risk to other areas of the body can be significant.  Acid reflux primarily impacts the stomach, esophagus and throat as acid travels backwards from the stomach.  While it can create irritation, it can lead to more serious problems with the teeth.

Reflux-induced erosion is known to wear away the structure of the tooth as acid moves through the esophagus and into the mouth.  When it does, the acid wears away the tooth one layer at a time, starting with the enamel on the outside of the teeth.  Enamel is the protective layer that surrounds the tooth and prevents it from feeling sensitivity due to the pressure of biting down, eating, or drinking.  When the enamel wears away, the dentin underneath becomes exposed.  This is problematic because dentin is full of small holes that contain the tooth’s nerve endings.  When something touches it, a person can experience pain and discomfort.

In the advanced stages of erosion, bone loss may occur, creating thin and brittle teeth.  These teeth are more likely to break, chip, or crack from simple activities like eating or playing sports.  Additionally, some patients get holes in their teeth as the erosion progresses. This is why keeping acid reflux under control is so important.  By taking doctor prescribed medication and eating a diet low in acid, the symptoms can be decreased, and the side effects reduced.  As a dentist, we can treat the effects of acid reflux but recommend that our patients focus on preventative care as well.

The early stages of erosion can be treated with a bonding procedure that seals in the tooth.  This prevents anything from directly touching the dentin and nerve endings.  It can be effective but only if the condition is caught early.  Otherwise, it won’t make a large enough difference.  When a tooth has eroded to the point of being thin and brittle, a dental crown can be used to strengthen and protect it. This is important for preventing further damages like cracks and chips.  As a dentist, we can place the crown around the tooth so that nothing actually touches it. It can be made of all ceramic so that it blends in with the surrounding teeth as well.

These two procedures can help to restore teeth that have been damaged due to reflux-induced erosion.  Simultaneously, it is important to minimize the symptoms by rinsing with water or mouthwash immediately after an episode.  You can also use an antacid or rinse with baking soda in order to reduce the effects of acid reflux on your teeth.