Acid Reflux

We all know that nagging, painful burning that occurs after a heavy meal. Heartburn as it is so commonly known, occurs more often for some than others; many people suffer from chronic heartburn, or acid reflux. This condition, when chronic, deteriorates the esophagus, but recent research has shown that it can also damage your teeth, putting your oral health at risk.

The Damage Of The Acid

When you experience acid reflux, the acids in your stomach leak back into your esophagus and sometimes even reach the mouth. This acid can be very damaging to the enamel on your teeth. Some people that do not experience troublesome symptoms of acid reflux are surprised to hear from their dentist that they might be suffering from this condition. The dentist can tell by the pattern of erosion that occurs on the very back teeth.

The Risk Of Damaged Enamel

Even if you do not notice the damaged enamel in your mouth on your own, it is putting your teeth at risk. Your enamel is there to protect your teeth from decay. If the acid eats away at it, you could start to have very sensitive teeth as the layers underneath the enamel become exposed. It could also cause your teeth to become severely decayed.

If you think that you suffer from acid reflux, it is best to be evaluated right away to ensure that you get the proper treatment and stop damage from occurring to your teeth as soon as possible.