Gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is more commonly known as acid reflux disease, can cause more problems than simply upsetting your stomach. In fact, did you know that acid reflux can actually hurt your oral health? Sadly, GERD (the abbreviation for acid reflux) causes stomach acid to back up into your esophagus and sometimes into your mouth.
This can be problematic because it can erode your enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Similarly, people who suffer from GERD also tend to have dryer mouths. Unfortunately, a dry mouth means you’ll have lost saliva in your mouth, which create an environment where bad bacteria and plaque can grow. Ultimately, this can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and can further erode your enamel.
As you may have guessed, tooth decay itself can lead to a number of serious problems, such as tooth loss and gum disease. Fortunately, if GERD is identified early, you may be able to prevent these problems. Unfortunately, GERD can be difficult to identify, though our dentist can recognize the symptoms. We also recommend contacting us if you noticed one or several of the following symptoms: bad breath, frequent sinus infections, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, and coughing.
Most importantly, if you have GERD, what can you do? You may consider changing your diet, but certain medications can help as well. Specifically, you should consider limiting the consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as juices, soda, or alcohol. Citrus fruits can also trigger your acid reflux. Similarly, if you’re experience dry mouth, try to drink more water and rinse your mouth with water after consuming anything acidic.
If you have acid reflux, or suspect that you have acid reflex, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Jacob Shrayman. Our team can inspect the color of your mouth to identify problems caused by GERD. If our team is able to identify your issue early, we can help you overcome these issues. Simply call Jacob Shrayman, DDS at (973) 791-4104 to schedule an appointment with us. We’re excited to hear from you.