How Does Acid Reflux Affect Your Oral Health?
When we talk about acid reflux, we often focus on the damage to the oesophagus and upper respiratory tract. Repeated exposure to acid from the stomach can cause permanent injury to these regions. However, if the acid moves even higher into the mouth, it can lead to dental erosion, discoloration, and other oral issues.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) (or acid reflux) refers to the movement of stomach acid into the oesophagus and higher. It's associated with symptoms like heartburn, a sour or bitter taste, coughing, and a hoarse voice.
Considering oral health and acid reflux is crucial for preventing and treating its effects on your teeth, gums, and mouth. Learn how this happens and what you need to do below.
Acid Reflux Mouth Symptoms
Usually, when an acid reflux episode occurs, the acid stays in the oesophagus, failing to get high enough to affect the throat and mouth. This restricts the symptoms to those such as heartburn, chest pain, coughing, and hoarseness. However, if the reflux worsens or you lie down, the acid can easily regurgitate into your mouth.
We can split these symptoms into mouth and throat symptoms.
The acid reflux mouth symptoms include:
Sour taste
Bad breath
Gum inflammation
Increased salivation
Some of the symptoms, like sour taste, bad breath, and increased salivation, may only be present during an acid reflux episode. The others will gradually worsen over time due to repeated attacks.
The acid reflux throat symptoms include:
Hoarseness
Chronic cough
Sore throat
Lump sensation in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Throat-related symptoms are generally more common as the throat sits lower than the mouth. People with acid reflux often complain about hoarseness and coughing as the acid irritates the vocal cords and throat lining.
Effects of Acid Reflux on Teeth
GORD will cause dental erosion if the teeth experience prolonged acid exposure. The acid reacts with the outer surface of the teeth (enamel), softening it and opening it up to dental decay, including cavities. As more enamel is stripped from the tooth surface, more of the underlying tissue is exposed to bacteria.
We already know that acidic beverages and medications containing acid cause dental erosion. Think about the experiments of putting a tooth in a soft drink overnight. However, the acid from your stomach is much stronger and is present in the mouth for longer.
Enamel erosion leads to increased sensitivity. People will notice discomfort due to hot, cold, or sweet foods. The teeth might also become discoloured due to acid reflux on teeth. The yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible as the enamel wears away, giving teeth a discoloured appearance.
Lastly, there's the risk of cracking and chipping. Due to the weakened enamel, the teeth become more brittle, increasing the risk of cracking or chipping.
Effects of Acid Reflux on Gums
Your gums don't escape the effects of acid reflux. The gums sit close to the teeth, protecting the roots against bacteria and erosion. The corrosive nature of stomach acid can irritate the gums, causing several potential problems.
Gum irritation and inflammation are the most common issues. You may notice redness, swelling, and inflammation, as well as bleeding during brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease.
Chronic exposure to stomach acid will gradually wear away the gums. The effect of acid reflux on gums is similar to that of teeth – as gum recession exposes the roots of the teeth, it raises the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay. In fact, this constant irritation and damage compromise the ability of the gums to function effectively. The introduction of bacteria causes periodontal disease, including gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontitis, and even a periodontal abscess (a pocket of infection in the gums).
Fixing Damage from Acid Reflux on Teeth
What happens if acid reflux damages your teeth or gums? Well, dental erosion from GORD can’t be repaired. If cavities begin to appear or your teeth become more sensitive, your dentist will have to perform restorative work to correct the issue.
Usually, your dentist will remove the damaged tissue and fill in the area. In the worst cases, however, a root canal or tooth extraction is necessary. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist might consider:
Fillings: To repair cavities caused by enamel erosion, tooth-coloured materials are used to restore the tooth's structure.
Crowns: For significant erosion, crowns cover the damaged tooth to protect and strengthen it.
Root Canals: If acid reaches the tooth's nerve, this procedure removes the affected nerve and seals the tooth.
Tooth Removal: For irreparably damaged teeth, an extraction might be necessary.
Veneers: Thin porcelain covers are applied to the front of teeth to protect eroded enamel and improve aesthetics.
Using a fluoride gel or fluoride-based toothpaste is another sensible option. It can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce any sensitivity.
Preventing the Effects of Acid Reflux on Oral Health
Acid reflux doesn't just have effects on oral health. It can cause strictures, ulcers, and even oesophageal cancer. Diagnosing the condition early is crucial for effective treatment.
Here at The Functional Gut Clinic, we’re highly experienced in diagnosing GORD in patients. Using either 24-hour reflux testing, which detects the presence of acid in the oesophagus, or oesophageal manometry, which measures pressure changes in the esophagus to ensure it works effectively, we can determine the cause of your reflux symptoms.
Recognizing the signs of acid reflux early is crucial for effective treatment. With a diagnosis, you can receive treatment that minimises acid production in the stomach. These treatments can help to relieve your symptoms and prevent the effects of acid reflux on your teeth and gums.
Contact us today to learn more about testing options. We're more than happy to help.
