Monthly Archives: June 2019

Erosion: Reflux, Upset Stomach, and Your Teeth

Frequent upset stomach can cause a gradual eroding of the protecting enamel on your teeth, a process called tooth erosion. This may have an effect on the physical appearance of your teeth and can also open the door to harmful bacteria that cause cavities.

How do stomach issues have an effect on my teeth?

Your stomach produces natural acids that facilitate your body in digestion of food. Sometimes, these acids travel up the throat and into the mouth, particularly after an oversized meal. Ordinarily, our saliva rebalances the acid levels in our mouth naturally, and everything’s fine. 

But for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GERD, stomach acids reach the mouth throughout the day. Reflux can be especially damaging during sleep because you swallow less than normal and your mouth manufactures less saliva when you are sleeping.

Another concern is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, which can be caused by medications, including several acid reflux medicines.  Saliva not only helps neutralize the acids caused by acid reflux, but also helps to clean away food particles and cut back on bacteria that can attack your tooth enamel. This is often why lower saliva production might increase your risk for cavities. 

What will Reflux-Related Erosion do to my teeth?

Acid reflux might wear away the enamel on the surfaces of your teeth. Your dentist can check for this at your regular dental exam.

Unfortunately, tooth erosion is permanent. If your enamel has begun to wear away, you may:

• Feel pain or sensitivity when you consume hot, cold or sweet drinks

• Notice a discoloration of the teeth

• Find that your fillings have changed

• Face larger risks for cavities over time

• Experience tooth loss

Once erosion of the enamel happens, you might need dental treatment such as: fillings, crowns, a root canal, or even tooth extraction in order to prevent pain and further risk. For cosmetic discoloration, veneers can help to restore the look of your smile. 

How to defend your teeth and obtain relief?

• Chewing sugar-free gum will encourage saliva production, which helps neutralize and wash away the acids in your mouth. Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the gum you choose.

• Using prescription or over the counter fluoride and desensitizing toothpaste can help to strengthen tooth enamel. 

• Avoiding alcohol and smoking and refraining from eating for three hours before bed might cut back the frequency of acid reflux episodes.

• If heartburn, acid reflux or alternative stomach issues are a part of your everyday life, work together with your dentist and physician to treat the underlying causes of your stomach troubles. 

• If you suffer from acid reflux, see your dentist frequently so that they will check that your teeth stay healthy, suggest ways to stop tooth erosion, and recommend ways to prevent dry mouth.

Diet and Dental Health

Your body is a complex machine. The foods you select and the way you eat them will have an effect on your general health and therefore the health of your teeth and gums, too. If you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweet fruit drinks, or non-nutritious snacks, you may be in danger of tooth decay. Diet can be especially important for children’s dental health, as tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood illness, however, the good news is that it’s entirely preventable.

Tooth decay happens once plaque comes in contact with sugar within the mouth. Plaque bacteria feed on sugar, and cause acid which eats away at the tooth enamel.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to decay. To manage the quantity of sugar you eat, scan the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on foods and beverages and opt for choices low in sugar. Your doctor or a registered specialist may offer suggestions for a healthy diet. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it’s going to be harder for tissues in your mouth to resist infection, which can contribute to gum disease. Severe gum disease may be a major reason behind tooth loss in adults. Several researchers believe that gum disease is more severe and progresses more quickly in people with poor nutrition.

To learn what foods are best for you, visit ChooseMyPlate.Gov, an internet site from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The site contains dietary recommendations for kids and adults based on their levels of physical activity.

Wise selections

For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink. It’s not only what you eat, but also when you eat that may have an effect on your dental health. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. If you’re on a special diet, keep your physician’s recommendation in mind when selecting foods.

For good dental health, keep the following tips in mind when selecting your meals and snacks:

• Drink plenty of water.

• Eat a variety of foods that include

         o Whole grains

         o Fruits

         o Vegetables

         o Low-fat and fat-free dairy foods

Limit the number of snacks you eat. If you are eating a snack, opt for one thing that’s healthy like fruit or vegetables or a piece of cheese. Foods that are eaten as a part of a meal cause less damage to teeth than eating multiple snacks throughout the day, because a lot of saliva is discharged through a meal. Saliva helps wash foods from the mouth and lessens the effect of acids, which may hurt teeth and cause cavities. For good dental health, keep in mind to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, floss daily, and visit your dental practitioner frequently. With regular visits, your dentist can help to catch any potential problems, and provide the necessary treatment right away while the problem is manageable and simple to treat.