Can Acid Reflux Damage Your Teeth?

Oct 26
12:27

2012

Remcel Mae P. Canete

Remcel Mae P. Canete

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A pretty smile is enhanced by great teeth. We all want to keep our pearly whites for the duration of our life if at all possible.

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A pretty smile is enhanced by great teeth. We all want to keep our pearly whites for the duration of our life if at all possible. Individuals who suffer from acid reflux may have increased risks of developing tooth erosion or periodontal disease. Acid reflux is a fairly common condition. It is also called Esophageal Reflux Disease. Acid from the stomach can leak into the esophagus. Some symptoms could include heartburn or regurgitation,Can Acid Reflux Damage Your Teeth? Articles but there are also people who have acid reflux without obvious symptoms. With or without these symptoms, the day-after-day impact of acid may also begin to erode the enamel on your teeth. Enamel erosion can begin with a ph of 5.5. Stomach acid has a ph of 2. 

Enamel is the thin outer covering of your teeth. It is translucent and extremely hard. This covering protects your teeth from daily use. Let's face it, our teeth get quite a workout. Chewing, biting, and crunching our way through life is made possible by that precious covering of enamel. Our bones can be broken and heal over time, but once our teeth are broken or chipped, they never heal. When the enamel erodes, our teeth become much more prone to developing cavities. 

If your teeth are overly sensitive to hot or cold, have sharp tooth edges, thinning, shortening or darkening, this could indicate damage to the enamel. Besides treating your acid reflux by either medical or non-medical treatments, there are things that you can do to protect your teeth. For example, don't brush your teeth right after a reflux episode. Also, talk to your dentist about mouth rinses and toothpastes with fluoride, making sure you have the appropriate amount in your daily dental routine. 

To keep your teeth at their best requires a commitment to good oral hygiene. With the treatment of acid reflux you are investing in the life of your teeth and also avoiding the potential for expensive dental work such as crowns in the future.