Dental erosion stems from more than acidic intake and environmental causes, but has also been strongly linked to acid reflux. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the leading cause in dental erosion.
If there is a malfunction with the esophagus — a tube that links the mouth to the stomach — and the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, that works as a ring of muscle fibers closing off re-entrance relaxes, stomach acids that are supposed to be blocked from entering the esophagus travels back up to the mouth.
However, the acid landing in the mouth does more damage than one would think. The toxic stomach acids that makes its way back up to the mouth ends up wearing away the enamel on the teeth, which is designed to initially protect the exterior surfaces from damage, stains and cavities. Once the enamel is continuously damaged and consequently dissolved by the likes of GERD, tooth erosion and decay can occur.
GERD is not always plainly evident from the unmistakable pain of heartburn and belching. Many could be walking around with its imperceptible, yet abusive nature beating on one’s body and teeth. Silent GERD can usually be determined by a dentist, or it can be seen as a warning sign if you are left with a sour taste in your mouth without explanation.
Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, a burning sensation under the breastbone in the chest, nausea after eating and coughing or wheezing. Other symptoms are difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, hiccups, hoarseness and a change in voice.
If your dentist agrees that the loss of enamel on your teeth is not due to the grinding of your teeth, then go see a doctor to determine whether it is related to gastroesophageal reflux.
There are many treatments, however, to resolving GERD and its disastrous effects on one’s dental health. Changing one’s diet, avoiding drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and instead substituting those for acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a better alternative to relieving pain.
In addition, over-the-counter antacids help to quickly lessen pain after meals and before bedtime. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs are also another suitable treatment for the symptoms of GERD that alternatively give you longer relief than antacids.
Applying techniques associated with heartburn helps to prevent further discomfort of GERD and its detrimental symptoms and effects on dental health.
If GERD is not treated, ulcers and esophageal cancer can result, in addition to the deterioration of your teeth.
It is very important to make sure to go in for yearly checkup appointments with a doctor or dentist, and to follow the needed lifestyle changes to keep your smile healthy, and root cause resolved.
Sources:
Livestrong.com. Web. Published 18 May 2011. “5 Things You Need to Know About Dental Erosion and Acid Reflux.”
http://www.livestrong.com/article/6031-need-dental-erosion-acid-reflux
U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed Health. Web. Published on 11 August 2011. “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001311
Delta Dental: Learn About Oral Health and Wellness. Web. Published on 30 December 2010. “Prevent Dental Erosion Due to GERD.”
http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/adult/medicalconditions/22,Delta137
Hindawi: International Journal of Dentistry. Web. Published on 14 September 2011. “Review Article: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Tooth Erosion.”
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2012/479850
Reviewed March 13, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith