Nearly everyone has suffered from acid reflux, also known as heartburn, which happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, causing symptoms such as chest discomfort, a burning feeling in your throat, and a bad taste in your mouth and others.
But did you know that your digestive health might have an impact on your teeth health?
Symptoms you may feel when you have acid reflux
Signs and symptoms of acid reflux can vary, here are some of them:
-Heartburn: which is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acids that travel up towards the throat.
-Regurgitation: which is the backflow of a sour or bitter-tasting acid into your throat or mouth.
-Burping and bloating.
-Dysphagia: which is a shrinking of the esophagus that causes the sense that food is trapped in your throat.
-Hiccups that don’t let up.
How does acid reflux affect your teeth?
Stomach produces natural acids that help in digestion, these acids can sometimes move up towards the neck and into the mouth, especially in patients who have acid reflux.
Acid reflux patients are more likely to experience tooth erosion and periodontal issues.
The power of hydrogen (pH) of a substance is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A low pH level suggests higher acidity, whereas a high pH level indicates lower acidity.
Dental enamel begins to erode PH lower than 5.5, and stomach acid has a PH of 2.0, which makes it particularly damaging to your teeth.
And day after day, the acid exposure thins and dissolves the protective layer of the teeth, leaving them considerably weaker, and when the enamel wears away, the tooth’s sensitive inner dentin layer is exposed, which can lead to extra, major complications with your teeth and mouth’s health.
What are the symptoms of tooth erosion due to acid reflux?
1- Pain or inflammation.
2- Sensitivity to specific meals and beverages, particularly those that are hot, cold, or sweet.
3- Teeth edges that are extremely sharp.
4- Teeth thinning or shortening or rounding.
5- Slightly yellow discoloration, or transparency near the biting edges.
How to manage acid reflux and protect your teeth?
If you have acid reflux, you are probably aware that your food might cause symptoms. Acid reflux has been associated with spicy, fatty, or fried meals, citrus fruits and drinks, and dairy products.
If you have an acid reflux attack, rinse your mouth with water afterward and delay brushing your teeth for at least an hour.
You can eat xylitol gum or another sugarless gum, lozenge, or candy to increase saliva production, which neutralizes acid and may decrease tooth damage.
It is important to consult your dentist about your case to give you specific advice on how to control your acid reflux and protect your teeth.
