How Do You Stop Acid Reflux From Damaging Your Teeth?

Did you know your digestive system had a relation with your oral health? If you experience frequent stomach upsets, it would lead to the gradual wearing away of the protective enamel on your teeth. This process is called tooth erosion which could affect the appearance of your teeth and open doors to harmful bacteria that could cause tooth decay and cavities.

Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease,) is a highly uncomfortable condition where the content in our stomachs (like acids produced in our stomachs) makes its way back to the food pipe or esophagus. It causes chest pain and heartburn simultaneously; this acid could erode the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is the hardest substance in our bodies, protecting our teeth from injuries, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and acids. If this is worn down, it would immensely affect our oral health.

So, how do we stop GERD from impacting our teeth? As you read, you will learn a few ways to stop damage to your teeth due to acid reflux.

What is The Relation Between Teeth Damage And Stomach Issues?

During digestion, our stomach produces natural acids that aid in digesting food. This acid may sometimes travel up to our throat and mouth, such as after a long meal. Generally, saliva in our mouths rebalances the acid level, and nothing goes wrong. But for those with GERD, the situation is different:

• For those who have GERD, gastric juice reaches their mouth all day, which is more harmful since we swallow much less during sleep and our mouths produce less saliva.
• Our teeth are covered by a thin layer of enamel which is extremely sensitive to the changes in the pH level of our saliva. The enamel can dissolve or erode as more digestive secretions reach our mouth.
• Most of us are not aware that our teeth are getting damaged until the issue has reached its advanced stages, which is alarming because once the tooth enamel is eroded, it never grows back.
• Many GERD medicines also cause dry mouth, which further aggravates the condition. Saliva is vital for oral health as it neutralizes the digestive juices due to GERD and washes away food particles from the mouth to protect it from bacteria. So with a dry mouth, you have lower saliva, increasing the chance of cavities.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Damaging Your Teeth

If your tooth is getting eroded due to GERD, you could experience any of the following:

• Your teeth feel sensitive to extreme temperatures, such as very hot or cold beverages and foods.
• There is a yellowish discoloration on your teeth, or your teeth have darkened.
• Tooth edges have become sharp or chipped.
• There is irritation or pain in the mouth.
• Your teeth have become thin or short, noticeable when your bite changes.

How to Protect Teeth From GERD

One of the easiest ways to avoid tooth erosions due to acid reflux is to have plenty of water throughout the day. Few other ways you can avoid dental damage is by applying the following recommendations:

• Keep GERD under control- You should visit a gastroenterology specialist for your reflux issue. Your doctor could suggest ways to control GERD and prescribe medications such as Nexium that reduce the severity of acid reflux. Do follow the lifestyle changes your doctor tells you, such as avoiding heavy meals or very fatty or spicy meals, especially before bedtime. A few other steps your doctor could recommend are sleeping propped up, not lying down right after eating, losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.
• Sugar-free gum- A few sugar-free gums have an ADA Seal of Acceptance. Chewing on these gums helps saliva production, which could balance the pH level in your mouth and diminish the effects of GERD.
• Rinse mouth after an episode of GERD- If you experience acid reflux, you can neutralize it by mixing water and a small amount of baking soda and using this solution to rinse your mouth. You could also drink some milk to neutralize the gastric secretions further.
• Practice good dental care- Ensure you brush twice daily and floss once daily. After a GERD episode, do not brush your teeth immediately but wait for at least fifteen minutes. The acid in the gastric juices softens the enamel for about fifteen minutes, and if you brush within that period, you might rub away a tiny layer of the enamel. Erosion of enamel leaves teeth more prone to cavities and sensitivity.
• Make some dietary changes- Reduce citrus foods, sodas, and even pasta sauces. You could switch to orange juices that have low acidic content. If you do wish to have any of the highly acidic drinks, try using a straw so that the liquid bypasses your teeth. Drinking some milk or eating a cube of cheese could help cancel the effects of dietary secretions.
• Keep up your dental appointments- If you suffer from GERD, your dentist is the best person to recommend how to prevent tooth erosion. If you also have a dry mouth, your dentist would suggest what to do about it to get relief.

Acid reflux is a common problem; many of us might be having it but are unaware of it. GERD can lead to tooth erosion and cavities. You must visit your dentist if you have tell-tale signs of GERD in your oral region. A visit to your dentist would help you plan your diet, medications, and other lifestyle changes that could help control acid reflux.