If you have acid reflux, a trip to the dentist is in order. Acid can erode your teeth as it comes up from your stomach. The more frequently the attacks occur, the greater your risk of tooth damage. With seven million U.S. adults suffering from acid reflux, this is a major cause of tooth damage and known as reflux-induced erosion.
We can help to prevent damage by keeping teeth clean and healthy along with strengthening them. Regular teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments can help along with bonding procedures to seal in the dentin. When more serious erosion has occurred, we often recommend dental crowns in order to protect the teeth. A crown can be made of either silver amalgam or ceramic and will cover all sides of the tooth. This way the acid cannot directly touch the tooth. Simultaneously, if bone loss has started due to reflux-induced erosion, a crown can save the tooth, preventing it from being pulled.
We recommend that you visit our dentist office at least twice a year and more frequently if you suffer from acid reflux. This allows us to identify any signs of erosion immediately and provide treatment before bone loss occurs. It is far better to fortify teeth on a consistent basis than to wait until there are holes or other damage to your teeth.
Additionally, you can reduce your risk of reflux-induced erosion by seeing your family doctor and asking them to prescribe medication that you can take on a daily basis. Typically, a once a day pill can help to keep your reflux under control. Otherwise, you can take a drug store antacid to help reduce the acid as the attack begins. Some patients also find that drinking a glass of soy, almond, or cows' milk can help their stomach to calm down.
One way, to feel better while reducing the frequency of your acid reflux attacks, is to monitor what you eat. Keep a food journal and write down every time that you have an attack. Look for a common denominator. There may be particular foods you are eating that are causing problems with your digestive system. Once you know what they are, you can easily eliminate them from your diet until you have the condition at a more controllable level. This is incredibly important because not only is acid reflux uncomfortable, but it can damage other areas of your body like your teeth.
As a dentist, we also recommend avoiding things that could further irritate your teeth. This means staying away from foods that have a high acid content like lemons and limes. You should also practice caution when brushing your teeth and use a soft toothbrush in order to prevent accidental erosion of the enamel. Even dental procedures like teeth whitening need to be performed with caution so let us know about your condition right away. This will allow us to incorporate that knowledge into any treatment plans that we recommend.
