Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- celebrity smiles (76)
- cosmetic dentistry (12)
- gum disease (14)
- oral health (33)
- oral cancer (3)
- x-rays (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- oral hygiene (30)
- invisalign (1)
- clear aligners (5)
- orthodontics (9)
- jaw surgery (2)
- Veneers (10)
- Resin Veneers (1)
- Porcelain Veneers (5)
- mouthguards (5)
- dental injuries (3)
- dental implants (17)
- dentures (5)
- Implant Dentistry (1)
- tooth decay (8)
- nutrition (2)
- orthodontic treatment (16)
- crown (1)
- smoking (5)
- jaw pain (2)
- tmj (1)
- tmd (1)
- Dentistry (1)
- bridge (1)
- pregnancy (4)
- snoring (2)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (3)
- root canal (3)
- chipped teeth (2)
- bonding (3)
- braces (9)
- lichen planus (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (2)
- Healthy food (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- crowns (4)
- palatal expander (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- fillings (3)
- TMJ/ TMD (1)
- infection control (1)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- removable dentures (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- root canal treatment (8)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguard (1)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- apicoectomy (1)
- bad breath (2)
- teething (4)
- pediatric dentistry (11)
- teeth whitening (4)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- dental exam (1)
- space maintainer (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- facial pain (1)
- adult braces (1)
- air abrasion (1)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- flossing (1)
- Dental Crowns (1)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- Sedation (1)
- Nitrous Oxide (1)
- Dental Fear (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- Family Dentist (1)
- retainers (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- root resorption (1)
- gerd (1)
- bone loss (1)
- toothache (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- dental cleaning (1)
- Root Canal Therapy (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- extraction (1)
- Tooth-Colored (1)
- composite resin (1)
- White Smile (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- vaping (1)
- General Dentistry (1)
- Family Dentistry (1)
- East Ellijay GA Dentist (1)
My Blog
Posts for tag: gerd
Most dental problems arise from tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. But they aren't the only source of danger to your teeth—gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be just as damaging to your tooth enamel as dental disease.
GERD usually occurs when a ring of muscles at the top of the stomach weaken, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. This resulting acid reflux can make life unpleasant and pose potential health dangers—over time it can damage the lining of the esophagus and cause ulcers and pre-cancerous cells. It can also erode tooth enamel if acid enters the mouth and raises its level of acidity.
This can be a problem because acid can soften and dissolve the mineral content of tooth enamel. This is the primary cause of tooth decay as acid produced by oral bacteria attack enamel. The more bacteria present, often thriving in dental plaque, the higher the potential levels of acid that can damage enamel. Stomach acid, which is strong enough to break down food, can cause similar harm to enamel if it causes higher than normal acidity in the mouth.
There are some things you can do to protect your teeth if you have GERD, namely manage your GERD symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. You may need to avoid alcohol, caffeine or heavily acidic or spicy foods, all known to aggravate GERD symptoms. Quitting smoking and avoiding late night meals might also ease indigestion. And your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs to help control your acid reflux.
You can also boost your teeth's enamel health by practicing daily brushing and flossing—but not right after a reflux episode. The enamel could be softened, so brushing can potentially remove tiny particles of mineral content. Instead, rinse with water mixed with or without a little baking soda to help neutralize acid and wait about an hour—this will give saliva, the mouth's natural acid neutralizer, time to restore the mouth's normal pH level.
And be sure you're using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens enamel—in fact, your dentist may recommend topical fluoride applications to boost the effect.
These and other tips can help minimize the effects of GERD on your dental health. With an ounce of prevention, you can keep it from permanently damaging your teeth.
If you would like more information on managing your dental health with GERD, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “GERD and Oral Health.”
