I Have Acid Reflux. Will That Hurt My Teeth and Gums?
Posted on 7/1/2024 by Singing River Dentistry - Athens
The American Medical Association estimates that one in five adults have acid reflux, which is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you have acid reflux, you may think the only area of your body that the reflux disease will affect is your esophagus. However, acid reflux can also affect your teeth and gums. Here is an explanation of why acid reflux may cause trouble for other areas of your body.
What Is Acid Reflux?
If you have acid reflux, you have what your mom or grandmother might have called heartburn. Acid reflux is more common in people as they age, if they are overweight or obese, if they are pregnant, or if they have allergies and asthma. When you have acid reflux, the acid contents of your stomach do not stay in your stomach. Instead, they travel up your throat and into your mouth. People often suffer from acid reflux at night, which can cause them not to sleep as well as they should.
How Can Acid Reflux Affect My Teeth and Gums?
When you have acid reflux, and those acids from your stomach travel back up your throat, they can coat your teeth and gums. The acidity of your stomach contents can range from vinegar or lemon juice to a can of soda. While that may not sound bad, to the delicate tissues of your throat as well as your teeth and gums, the acids can burn your gums and cause your enamel to become weaker. If your tooth enamel is weaker, it can increase the chances you get a cavity or break your tooth.
What Should I Do?
If you think that you have acid reflux, your first call should be to set up an appointment with your doctor. There are a lot of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that you can take to help your reflux. Also, be sure you let our dentist know that you have acid reflux so they can give you advice on caring for your teeth the best way possible. In fact, why not give our office a call today to set up your next appointment?
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The American Medical Association estimates that one in five adults have acid reflux, which is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you have acid reflux, you may think the only area of your body that the reflux disease will affect is your esophagus. However, acid reflux can also affect your teeth and gums. Here is an explanation of why acid reflux may cause trouble for other areas of your body.