Denture Repair: Home Remedies and More

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels up the throat and into the back of the mouth. When this becomes a chronic problem, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it's a condition that can seriously damage your oral health. Stomach acid is strong enough to eat away the enamel that covers your teeth. This won't happen immediately, but enamel erosion can become a serious issue when acid reflux is a recurring problem.

As such, it's important for people with GERD to see their dentist regularly. Here are just four ways dentists can help protect your teeth from the effects of GERD.

1. Apply Fluoride Treatments

You probably already know that fluoride is good for your teeth. It's in nearly every type of toothpaste, and it's even put in drinking water to help strengthen your teeth. Dentists can also provide in-office fluoride treatments that involve applying a varnish containing high levels of fluoride to your teeth. This will restore minerals to teeth where the enamel has been eroded, which makes them more resistant to decay. Conducted a few times a year, fluoride treatments can help mitigate the damage caused by GERD.

2. Prescribe Special Toothpastes and Rinses

If you suffer from GERD, your dentist may recommend a special type of mouthwash or toothpaste to help provide added protection. These may contain a higher concentration of fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against acid erosion, or they may contain desensitizing agents that can help reduce the sensitivity often associated with enamel erosion. Mouth rinses can also help reduce the acidity of your mouth and stimulate proper saliva production.

3. Apply Composite Bonding

In cases where acid reflux has already created a fair amount of damage, your dentist may suggest applying composite bonding over affected areas. This is especially effective once the dentin under your tooth enamel has become exposed. By applying composite bonding over that area, the dentin can be sealed and the acid can be kept out.

4. Recommend Lifestyle Changes

Finally, keep in mind that dentists can also offer more general advice to help prevent acid reflux and protect your teeth from its effects. They will be able to tell you about things like what food and drink to avoid and how your sleeping position could impact acid reflux. They can also save you from making oral healthcare mistakes. For example, brushing your teeth after an episode of acid reflux might seem like a good idea, but this can actually weaken your teeth. A dentist can help you avoid making such mistakes.