If you have acid reflux, you might need to take extra care of your teeth. Along with managing your heartburn and food choices, you should also pay attention to your oral health. When stomach acid comes up into your throat, it can sometimes reach your mouth and cause dental problems. Most people do not know that GERD can harm their teeth.
The acid from your stomach can weaken your enamel. This can cause sensitivity, which leads to painful sensations and further increases your chances of developing cavities. The good news is that you can protect your teeth by following good dental care. On top of that, it is important to keep up with your regular dental check-ups.
Schedule your appointment with a dentist in Burlington today.
How acid reflux damages teeth
Acid reflux causes stomach acid to travel up into the mouth, which can damage your teeth over time. The acid damages the enamel and makes them more prone to decay. This can result in increased sensitivity while eating sweet, hot, or cold foods.
When your enamel wears down, the chances of cavities increase as your teeth no longer have any protective layer to defend themselves from bacterial attacks. The acid can also affect your gum health and result in irritation or inflammation.
Dental care tips for people with acid reflux
- Maintain proper oral hygiene.
If you have acid reflux, you need to pay extra attention to your oral care to prevent damage to your teeth. The first important thing you need to do is maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste.
Fluoride makes your enamel strong and more resistant to acid damage. Moreover, it is also important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further damage to your enamel. Hard bristles can scrub away the protective layer of your teeth and increase the chances of decay.
- Rinse your mouth after acid reflux episodes.
If you experience an acid reflux episode, it is very important not to brush your teeth immediately. Acid makes the enamel softer, and if you brush it right away, it can cause more damage. Instead, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away the acid.
You can also use a fluoride mouth rinse, which can protect your enamel and neutralize some of the acid. Make sure you wait for at least half an hour before brushing to give your enamel enough time to re-harden.
- Chew sugar-free gum.
Chewing sugar-free gum is another good habit for people with acid reflux. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which is important to neutralize the acid in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away harmful acids and protects your tooth from decay.
Moreover, if you chew sugar-free gums, the bacteria will have no sugar to feed on, which can protect you from cavities.
- Avoid acidic items.
Avoiding acidic foods and drinks is important to protect your teeth. Foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, as well as drinks such as coffee and wine, can trigger acid reflux.
When these foods or drinks come into contact with your teeth, they can lead to enamel erosion and make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet items. Therefore, doctors highly recommend to stay away from these items to protect your teeth from damage.
- Stay hydrated.
Drinking a good amount of water is very important. It keeps your body and mouth hydrated and increases saliva production in your mouth.
This will help you wash away leftover food particles and bacteria in your mouth and prevent chances of cavities. Moreover, it also reduces the harmful effects of acid reflux on your teeth and gums.
Protect your teeth from acid reflux damage!
Acid reflux can damage your enamel and lead to cavities. Schedule a dental check-up today to keep your smile healthy!