Tooth erosion is the progressive deterioration of your teeth’s protective enamel brought on by frequent stomach upsets. In addition to potentially affecting the way your teeth look, this can let dangerous bacteria that cause cavities in.

What impact do stomach problems have on my teeth?

Natural acids produced in the stomach help your body break down meals. These acids can occasionally move up the neck and into the mouth, especially after a large meal. Normally, everything is OK since our saliva spontaneously restores the proper balance of acid in our mouth.

However, stomach acids leak into the mouth throughout the day for those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as acid reflux or GERD. Because you swallow less and your mouth produces less saliva when you sleep, reflux can be particularly harmful during this time.

Another issue is xerostomia, or dry mouth, which can be brought on by drugs, including some that treat acid reflux. Saliva helps wash away food particles and reduce microorganisms that can damage your tooth enamel in addition to neutralizing the acids produced by acid reflux. Because of this, having less saliva may make you more susceptible to cavities.

How will my teeth be affected by reflux-related erosion?

Your teeth’s surface enamel may be eroded by acid reflux. During your routine dental examination, your dentist can look for this.

Sadly, tooth degradation cannot be stopped. In the event that your enamel has started to erode, you could:

• Experience discomfort or sensitivity after consuming hot, cold, or sugary beverages.
• Take note of the teeth’s discolouration.
• Notice a difference in your fillings.
• As time goes by, the risk of cavities increases.
• Lose your teeth

In order to avoid pain and additional risk, you may require dental procedures including fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, or even tooth extractions after enamel erosion occurs. Veneers might help restore the appearance of your smile if you have cosmetic discolouration.

How can you protect your teeth and get relief?

• Chewing sugar-free gum promotes the production of saliva, which helps balance and remove oral acids. Make sure the gum you select has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
• To strengthen dental enamel, use desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride, either over-the-counter or prescribed.
• Reducing the frequency of acid reflux episodes may be achieved by abstaining from alcohol and tobacco use, as well as by not eating for three hours before bed.
• If you experience heartburn, acid reflux, or other stomach problems on a daily basis, collaborate with your doctor and dentist to address the root causes of your digestive problems.
• If you have acid reflux, visit your dentist often so they may evaluate the quality of your teeth, prescribe strategies to prevent dry mouth, and suggest ways to stop tooth erosion.