If you have acid reflux—or know someone who does—you probably know that it can lead to some unpleasant situations. As you probably know, one of the most common problems associated with acid reflux is heartburn—but did you know that acid reflux can also cause problems with your mouth?
You see, with acid reflux, powerful acids in your stomach are pushed into your esophagus. Unfortunately, acids in your esophagus can also get into your smile. As you may guess, this can lead to quite a few problems.
Unfortunately, these powerful acids can eventually wear down the outer layer of your teeth. In fact, if you suffer from acid reflux (which is also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease), you’re more likely to have dry mouth and plaque buildup. Similarly, if acids are in your mouth, your teeth will be more vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay.
Unfortunately, if acid wears your enamel away, you may experience tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity often begins as slight pain, but if the issue isn’t addressed, the pain could become extreme and affect all your teeth. Also, because bacteria will be more likely to grow in a dry mouth, you’ll be more vulnerable to gum disease. If your gums recede—which happens with gum disease—your roots will become vulnerable to the bacteria in your mouth. In fact, if this issue isn’t addressed, you could eventually lose teeth.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your smile. For instance, we recommend not smoking or wearing tight clothes. Similarly, if you nap try, sleeping in a chair. You should also avoid eating for at least two hours before you sleep. Of course, we also recommend visiting us at Bellaire Dental Excellence. Dr. Kevin M. Altieri will be happy to give you advice that meets your needs.
If you are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 817-294-5513. We look forward to hearing from you.