Walled Lake, MI Dentist and Periodontist

Many people experience occasional heartburn or discomfort from acid reflux, but if it becomes a regular issue, it could negatively affect your oral health. At Jacobson Dental Group of Walled Lake, we want to help you understand the risks acid reflux poses to your teeth and how you can protect your smile. Read on for essential information about acid reflux and your dental health.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids flow backward into the esophagus, causing a painful, burning sensation in the chest. It can happen occasionally after meals, but if it becomes a frequent occurrence, it can lead to more serious conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Along with heartburn, symptoms of acid reflux may include:

• Excessive burping
• Bad breath
• A sour or acidic taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tooth sensitivity

While GERD can be managed, frequent acid reflux episodes can have a significant impact on your teeth over time.

How Does Acid Reflux Affect Your Oral Health?

Just like acidic foods and drinks, stomach acid can damage your tooth enamel. Prolonged exposure to these acids can result in:

• Enamel erosion: Stomach acids weaken and wear away the protective enamel on your teeth, leading to yellowing, pitting, and increased sensitivity.
• Gum irritation: Acid reflux can also irritate your gums, which may contribute to gum disease, which is a major cause of adult tooth loss.
• Increased tooth sensitivity: As enamel erodes, your teeth become more sensitive to temperature and touch, making eating and drinking uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, this damage is irreversible, which is why it’s essential to take steps to protect your smile.

How to Protect Your Teeth from Acid Reflux

Managing acid reflux is key to preserving both your overall and oral health. While treatment should be discussed with your healthcare provider, here are some helpful tips to minimize the effects of acid reflux on your teeth:

• Limit trigger foods: Fatty, spicy, or acidic foods can exacerbate acid reflux. Try to avoid these to prevent flare-ups.
• Rinse your mouth after eating: After meals, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid.
• Wait before brushing: After consuming acidic foods or drinks, wait at least an hour before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and wash away acids.
• Upright after meals: Avoid lying down immediately after eating to reduce the likelihood of reflux.

When to Visit Our Dentist in Walled Lake

Regular dental check-ups are crucial, especially for patients with acid reflux. At Jacobson Dental Group of Walled Lake, we’ll monitor the condition of your teeth and take action to address any early signs of enamel erosion. If significant damage has occurred, treatments such as dental bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy may be recommended to restore your smile and reduce tooth sensitivity.

Don’t let acid reflux affect your oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward protecting your smile!