Acid reflux — a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — can hit you with unpleasant symptoms, including chest pain, regurgitation, and dysphagia, when stomach acid flows backward.
Acid reflux doesn’t just affect your digestive system. It can wreak havoc on your mouth, causing halitosis (bad breath) and weakening your tooth enamel. Worn-down enamel puts you at greater risk of tooth sensitivity, pain, and cavities.
Dr. David Blaustein and the team here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City have the training to spot signs of dental erosion during routine exams and checkups — just another reason routine dental care is so important!
In the meantime, here are four ways to safeguard your teeth against acid reflux.
When acid from your stomach flows backward into your mouth, the acid attacks your tooth enamel. Rinsing your mouth with water immediately after experiencing acid reflux can wash away the acid, neutralize its effects, and reduce the risk of enamel erosion.
Note that while you might be tempted to brush your teeth right away, wait a few minutes. The acid can soften your enamel, and brushing too soon could further damage your teeth.
Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps flush out the acid and neutralize acid in your mouth. Saliva contains bicarbonate, a natural neutralizer of stomach acid, and it also helps wash away food particles and acid from your teeth.
This benefit of bicarbonate is why many people with acid reflux drink half a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in water to help neutralize excess acid.
Chewing gum with xylitol is especially effective, as it can also help reduce bacteria levels in your mouth. Take a pass on any gum with sugar or corn syrup. Look for sugar-free gum with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Dietary changes can protect your teeth by reducing the frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation. Avoid foods and beverages that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
Instead, add more vegetables, lean proteins, and 100% whole grains to your diet. Eat smaller, more frequent meals with your main meal at lunchtime and a lighter meal for dinner.
What time you eat matters too. Avoid eating too close to bedtime since lying down can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Aim for at least two hours between your last meal (preferably a light one) and going to bed.
Fluoride — a natural mineral — is a powerful tool in protecting your teeth against acid erosion. Incorporating fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine won’t reduce your acid reflux, but it does protect your teeth.
In addition to over-the-counter (OTC) products with fluoride, you may benefit from professional fluoride treatments during your dental cleaning. These treatments are stronger than OTC products and help to strengthen your teeth, prevent cavities, and protect against tooth decay.
Here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we can help protect your teeth in a few ways. Dr. Blaustein and our team can:
To schedule a dental cleaning, call our Manhattan office or request an appointment online today.
