Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition wherein the stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. This illness can manifest differently and have different effects on your overall health, such as the effect it will have regarding oral healthcare requirements. If you are a resident of Shelby Township, MI, and want more information on acid reflux or tooth erosion — read about how to care for your teeth. This article explores the causes, effects, and remedies of this link in depth as advised by a family dentist in Shelby Township, MI.

What is Acid Reflux?

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the base of the esophagus, malfunctions to seal effectively, resulting in acid reflux. This makes it possible for stomach acids to pass up into the esophagus, leading to symptoms including regurgitation, heartburn, and an aftertaste of sourness. Prolonged acid reflux disease, often known as GERD, can cause worsening symptoms and other issues. 

How Acid Reflux Affects Your Oral and Dental Health

Regurgitation of stomach acids further into the esophagus may extend to the mouth as well. What happens is that these acids carry out considerable damage when they come in contact with the teeth. This is called tooth erosion.

The Association of Tooth Erosion with Acid Reflux

1. Acidic Exposure

Acid reflux causes tooth erosion by exposing the teeth to acid. If stomach acids come in contact with tooth enamel, they cause demineralization. Enamel is a highly mineralized tissue that covers the outer layer of each tooth and when enamel is attacked, it can break down to form indentations on the surface.

2. Erosion of Tooth Enamel

Acid regurgitation erodes the enamel, leading to progressive loss of surface structure in oral tissues. This can result in:

• Heightened Sensitivity: Worn enamel can uncover the dentin underneath which makes your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and acidic foods & drinks.
• Discoloration: When enamel thins out, the yellowish dentin closer to the surface of your teeth becomes more visible causing them to look dull or stained.
• Structural Damage: Over time, severe erosion causes cracks and fractures in the teeth.

3. Altered Oral Environment

Acid reflux, on the other hand, alters an oral environment by lowering the pH levels in the mouth. With a greater acidic environment, additional erosion can occur and the mouth is less able to neutralize acids & help repair enamel.

Early Warning Signs Tooth Erosion from Acid Reflux

The key is to identify the signs of tooth erosion for early diagnosis. What are the symptoms to look for:

• Tooth sensitivity may develop, such that your teeth hurt when you eat hot or cold foods, and you also suffer from sweet cravings.
• Thinning or Transparency at the Edges of Teeth
• Yellow Teeth: Another common sign of enamel erosion is that your teeth will turn yellow.
• Surface Irregularities or Indentations: These are the indentations that you can see on your teeth surface.

The reason for the association between acid reflux and tooth erosion underscores a mutual responsibility to manage both alluded symptoms. When you control acid reflux properly and try to safeguard your teeth as best they can, the effect of this chemical reaction on your gums (and eventually overall health) will be less problematic. If you live in Shelby Township, MI then you have options available to local resources and communities of professionals who can assist with care for each area affecting health. Do not delay visiting your local dentist also, if you experience these symptoms to protect your dental health.