What is dental erosion?
Dental erosion happens when acids come from foods, drinks, medicines, excessive vomiting, and stomach acid attack the teeth surface, causing particular loss of the hard substance that makes up your teeth. Acid that is secreted in the mouth softens the tooth surface resulting in tooth weakness, and increased sensitivity.
Dental erosion may occur at any age, but severely affects the elderly as they are more prone to dry mouth which is the reason behind retaining mouth acids.
Signs that indicate dental erosion
When you realize that a small part of your teeth is lost, and your teeth appearance changes to smooth and shiny, check-up with your dentist because this is an early sign of dental erosion!
After some time, dental erosion increases teeth sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods or drinks.
Advanced dental erosion causes enamel and underlying dentine loss, resulting in yellowing teeth surface.
How to prevent dental erosion
Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is one of the main things to do to prevent dental erosion, as it occurs as a result of increased acid contact with the teeth.
These tips help you to prevent dental erosion:
- Drinking fluoridated tap water instead of soft drinks or juice.
- Limit drinking fruit juice and replace it with eating the fruit.
- Use sugar-free chewing gum after meals to enhance saliva flow, as this protects your teeth from erosions.
- Limit eating or drinking anything acidic and try to use mouthwash to reduce acid contact with your teeth.
- Seek medical treatment if you suffer from reflux or vomiting.
How to treat dental erosion
If dental erosion has resulted in losing the tooth surface, the recommended treatment is to replace it with fillings or crowns. That’s why you have to visit your dentist every six to twelve months, to prevent dental problems and to treat dental erosion at an early stage to prevent exacerbation.
- Promoting saliva reduces dental erosion
Saliva is considered a self-defense mechanism that protects your teeth from erosions, as it works by flushing out acids that are secreted from foods and drinks into the stomach.
In conclusion, if you suffer from dry mouth, try to enhance saliva production and stay well hydrated as dehydration can decrease saliva amount in your mouth. Also, try to avoid tooth exposure to high acids and rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash after eating or drinking.
GERD effect on teeth
Gastroesophageal reflux, commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acids move up into the esophagus, causing discomfort such as heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth.
With prolonged exposure, acid reflux can harm the esophagus and upper respiratory tract, leading to a more severe condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Dental erosion is a potential complication of GERD, resulting in pain, sensitivity, and irreversible tooth damage. Continue reading to understand the mechanisms behind this and discover preventive measures.
GERD gradually induces dental erosion. Erosion emerges when acids soften the outer layer of teeth, known as enamel, in contrast to dental decay, primarily caused by bacterial action.
Various factors like acidic beverages, acid-containing medications, frequent vomiting, and acid reflux contribute to erosion. Additionally, dry mouth amplifies the risk of dental erosion as insufficient saliva fails to rinse away the acid.
Saliva plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of stomach acids on teeth. However, in GERD cases, the excessive reflux of acid overwhelms saliva’s neutralizing capacity over prolonged periods.
Nighttime exacerbates this issue, as reduced swallowing and saliva production during sleep prolong acid exposure in the mouth, intensifying tooth wear.
How can I safeguard my teeth from acid reflux?
To mitigate the impact of acid reflux on your dental health, consider the following measures:
- Increase saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum.
- Drink water while eating or rinse your mouth afterward with water.
- Use fluoride and desensitizing toothpaste.
- Consult a dentist for potential prescription fluoride treatments, which are more potent than over-the-counter options.
Additionally, managing GERD effectively involves lifestyle adjustments and medical consultation:
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms.
- Refrain from eating within three hours of bedtime.
- Elevate your head while sleeping.
While over-the-counter antacids can provide temporary relief for mild GERD symptoms, they shouldn’t be used daily. For proper management, seek guidance from a doctor who can prescribe appropriate medications.
Is it possible for a dentist to detect acid reflux?
Dentists can recognize dental erosion through symptoms like tooth sensitivity and enamel alterations. By reviewing your health history, they can pinpoint potential causes of erosion, whether it’s acid reflux, consumption of acidic beverages, or other factors.
Can a dentist address GERD?
While dentists can suggest methods to minimize acid’s impact on teeth, they lack the authority to prescribe GERD medications. For GERD treatments, including prescription medications or surgical options, it’s essential to consult a primary care doctor. Untreated GERD can lead to respiratory complications and jeopardize esophageal health.
Can a tooth infection lead to acid reflux?
Tooth infections typically do not trigger acid reflux. However, in rare instances, acid reflux can contribute to the development of a tooth abscess.
A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria infiltrate the soft tissue of a tooth, forming a pocket filled with pus. Dentists can provide treatment for this condition.
Is mouthwash beneficial for acid reflux?
Dentists advise rinsing with plain water, milk, or a baking soda solution to counteract acid effects on teeth, especially following episodes of vomiting.
Given the variability in mouthwash formulations, some of which may contain acidic ingredients, consulting a dentist can help identify mouthwashes that are safe and effective for managing acid reflux.
GERD may result in dental erosion, characterized by the gradual erosion of tooth enamel. Although dental erosion caused by GERD is irreversible, there are measures you can take to enhance saliva production, rinse away acids with water, and effectively manage your GERD. By doing so, you can minimize the potential for additional damage to your teeth caused by acid exposure.
Should you experience dental symptoms due to erosion, a dentist can undertake restorative procedures to enhance the appearance and sensation of your teeth. Additionally, over-the-counter solutions like desensitizing toothpaste might alleviate discomfort.
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration
https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-erosion
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-erosion
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-erosion
