How Acid Reflux Affects Your Teeth: What You Need to Know
Acid reflux, commonly referred to as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. While most people are aware of the discomfort this can cause in the throat and chest, many don't realise that acid reflux can also significantly impact oral health. As Dr Berera, a leading dentist in Leichhardt, Sydney, explains, understanding the connection between acid reflux and dental issues is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.
What Is Acid Reflux and How Does It Happen?
Acid reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and oesophagus, fails to close properly or opens too frequently. This allows stomach acid to escape into the oesophagus, causing the classic symptoms of burning discomfort in the chest and throat. While the esophagus can handle occasional acid exposure, your teeth cannot.
How Acid Reflux Damages Your Teeth
The primary way acid reflux affects oral health is through dental erosion. Stomach acid is highly corrosive, with a pH level that can severely weaken and wear down tooth enamel—the protective outer layer of your teeth. Enamel erosion is irreversible and can lead to:
Increased Tooth Sensitivity: As enamel wears down, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, making your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Discolouration: Acid reflux can cause yellowing of the teeth. Without enamel, teeth lose their lustre and appear dull or stained.
Tooth Decay: Enamel loss makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay since they are less protected from harmful bacteria.
Chipping and Cracking: Weakened enamel is more prone to chipping or cracking, which can lead to further complications like infection or abscesses.
Bad Breath: Regular exposure to stomach acid can lead to persistent halitosis (bad breath), as the acids mix with bacteria in the mouth.
Recognising the Symptoms of Acid Reflux Damage
Because the effects of acid reflux on your teeth can be subtle at first, it’s important to know the warning signs. According to Dr Berera, patients should be mindful of:
Increased Sensitivity: Especially when consuming hot or cold beverages.
Thinning Enamel: Teeth may look translucent, especially at the edges.
Unexplained Tooth Decay: Cavities that develop even with good oral hygiene.
Discomfort in the Jaw or Mouth: Resulting from damaged teeth or enamel erosion.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign that acid reflux is affecting your teeth.
Prevention: Protecting Your Teeth from Acid Reflux
Dr Berera suggests that managing acid reflux is not only important for your digestive health but also for protecting your teeth. Here are several steps you can take:
1. Dietary Modifications
Certain foods are more likely to trigger acid reflux, and reducing or avoiding them can help minimise damage to your teeth. These include:
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar.
Spicy and fatty foods, which relax the LES and allow acid to escape.
Carbonated drinks, which increase stomach pressure.
Opt for high-fibre foods and alkaline vegetables, which can neutralise stomach acid and reduce reflux symptoms.
2. Drink Water Regularly
Sipping water throughout the day can help wash away acid in the mouth and neutralise its harmful effects. After an acid reflux episode, rinse your mouth with water to remove acid from the surface of your teeth. However, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid brushing the acid into your enamel.
3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralise acids in the mouth. Make sure to choose sugar-free gum to avoid increasing your risk of cavities.
4. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against erosion. Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash can act as a defence against acid damage.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Scheduling regular dental check-ups with Dr Berera is essential for early detection and management of acid-related damage. Your dentist can monitor the health of your enamel, provide professional fluoride treatments, and recommend protective products to use at home.
What to Do If Acid Reflux Has Already Affected Your Teeth
If acid reflux has already caused noticeable damage to your teeth, there are treatment options available to restore and protect your smile:
Dental Bonding: A tooth-coloured resin is applied to damaged areas, helping to rebuild lost enamel and protect exposed dentin.
Crowns and Veneers: For more significant erosion, crowns or veneers can be placed over the teeth to restore function and appearance.
Enamel Remineralisation: In some cases, fluoride treatments and specialised toothpaste can help to remineralise early signs of erosion.
Final Thoughts
Acid reflux might seem like a purely digestive issue, but its effects on your teeth are profound. Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious dental problems, including enamel erosion, tooth decay, and increased sensitivity. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can protect your teeth and maintain a healthy smile.
If you're concerned about how acid reflux is impacting your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact Dr Berera’s dental practice in Leichhardt. With years of experience in preventative and restorative care, Dr Berera can help you manage acid-related dental damage and maintain your best smile.