Is Acid Reflux Harmful to My Teeth? | Dentist Near Me Many people experience heartburn or discomfort from acid reflux from time to time, but when it becomes a regular issue, it can take a toll on your oral health. At Cater Dental of Lombard, we want to ensure you’re informed about the risks of acid reflux and how it can harm your teeth. An Overview of Acid Reflux During digestion, your stomach produces acids to break down food. However, if these acids travel up into the esophagus, this is known as acid reflux, often leading to a burning sensation in the chest. Along with this, you might experience excessive burping, bad breath, an acidic taste in your mouth, difficulty swallowing, and tooth sensitivity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to frequent acid reflux episodes. Over time, constant exposure to stomach acids can severely damage your oral health, and that’s something you want to avoid. The Effects of Acid Reflux on Your Oral Health The acids from your stomach are highly corrosive, similar to acidic foods and drinks, and can wear down the enamel on your teeth. This can lead to: Enamel Erosion: Stomach acids can erode the protective layer of enamel on your teeth, leaving them yellowed, pitted, and increasingly sensitive. Increased Sensitivity: Once the enamel is worn down, your teeth can become highly sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods. Gum Irritation: These acids can also irritate your gums, potentially leading to gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Additionally, acid reflux doesn’t just affect your oral health, it can damage the esophagus as well. The stomach lining protects it from the acids, but the esophagus does not, which can result in pain, inflammation, and difficulty swallowing. How to Protect Your Teeth from Acid Reflux While treating GERD often requires medication, there are additional steps you can take to protect your smile from the effects of acid reflux: Limit fatty foods and other foods that trigger your acid reflux symptoms. Rinse your mouth with water after eating to help neutralize acids. Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as citrus, soda, and coffee. After eating or drinking something acidic, wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth. Avoid lying down immediately after a meal to prevent acid from flowing back into your esophagus. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential For individuals with acid reflux, regular dental visits are even more important. At Cater Dental of Lombard, we closely monitor your oral health to catch and treat any damage caused by acid reflux before it becomes a major problem. If your tooth enamel has been compromised, treatments like dental bonding, crowns, or even root canal therapy may be recommended to restore your smile. Contact our dentist in Lombard today to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to help protect your smile and ensure that you maintain optimal oral health for years to come! Cater Dental of Lombard Phone: (630) 932-0090 Url: https://www.lombarddentistry.com/ 894 E. Roosevelt Rd. Lombard, IL 60148