Dr. Jack Bottner DDS
  • Home
  • Services
  • Staff
    • Dentists
    • Hygienists
    • Assistants
    • Receptionists
  • What's New
  • Forms
  • Dental Information
  • Contact
  • Request an Appointment

Erosion: Stomach Upset and Your Teeth

5/3/2019

 
Picture
Article Accessed from MouthHealthy. American Dental Association​

Did you know your digestive health can affect your teeth?
​
Frequent stomach upset can cause a gradual wearing away of the protective enamel on your teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. This can affect the appearance of your teeth and open the door for harmful bacteria that cause cavities.

How Do Stomach Problems Affect My Teeth?

Your stomach produces natural acids that help your body digest food. Sometimes, these acids travel up the throat and into the mouth, especially after a large meal. Ordinarily, our saliva rebalances the acid levels in our mouth and everything’s fine. 
But for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GERD, gastric acids reach the mouth throughout the day. This process is especially damaging when you’re asleep, since you are swallowing less often and your mouth is producing less saliva.
Another concern is the dry mouth caused by many acid reflux medicines. Saliva not only helps neutralize the acids caused by acid reflux, but also helps to wash away food particles and reduce bacteria that attack tooth enamel. This is why lower saliva production may increase your risk for cavities. 

What Does Reflux-Related Erosion Do to My Teeth?

Acid reflux can wear away the enamel on the inside surfaces of your teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces. Your dentist may notice this during an exam.
Unfortunately, tooth erosion is permanent. If your enamel has started to wear away, you may:
  • Feel pain or sensitivity when consuming hot, cold or sweet drinks
  • Notice a yellowish discoloration of the teeth
  • Find that your fillings have changed
  • Face greater risks for cavities over time
  • Develop an abscess, in extreme cases
  • Experience tooth loss, also in extreme cases
Once erosion occurs, you may need fillings, crowns, a root canal or even tooth removal. Veneers may be an option to restore the look of your smile. 

How to Protect Your Teeth – And Get Relief
​
  • Chewing sugar-free gum can encourage saliva production, which helps neutralize and wash away the acids in your mouth. Look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  • Prescription or over-the-counter fluoride and desensitizing toothpastes may help strengthen tooth enamel. 
  • Avoiding alcohol and smoking and refraining from eating 3 hours before bedtime may reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes.
  • If heartburn, acid reflux or other stomach problems are part of your daily life, work with your physician on a care plan to treat the underlying causes of your stomach troubles. 
  • If you suffer from acid reflux, see your dentist regularly so they can make sure your teeth stay healthy, recommend ways to prevent tooth enamel erosion and suggest ways to get relief if you are also suffering from dry mouth.

Comments are closed.

    Dr Jack Bottner

    We are accepting new patients! Call us at 519-686-6200


    Like us on Facebook

    Topics

    -Aging
    -March 2023
    -June 2020
    -January 2015

    -Baby Teeth
    -May 2022
    -December 2019
    -June 2018
    -August 2017
    -September 2017
    -August 2016
    -June 2015

    -Brushing for Kids
    -May 2022
    -April 2019
    -October 2016
    -June 2015

    Cannabis
    -February 2019

    Cavities
    -February 2023
    -May 2022
    ​-August 2020
    -September 2019
    -October 2016
    -April 2016
    -September 2016
    -March 2015

    COVID-19
    -July 2021
    -April 2021

    Children's Dental
    -May 2022
    -December 2020
    -December 2019
    -September 2019
    -July 2017
    -September 2016


    Diabetes
    -November 2021
    -June 2020

    -August 2015

    Diet
    -May 2021
    -April 2021
    -February 2021


    Dry Mouth
    -November 2017
    -May 2017
    -November 2016
    ​

    Eating Disorders
    -June 2019

    Endodontics
    -August 2019

    Erosion
    -May 2019

    Flossing
    -December 2018

    Fluoride
    -December 2021
    -September 2018
    ​
    Gum Disease
    -October 2020
    -December 2014
    -April 2014


    Sensitive Teeth
    -November 2020

    Oral Cancer
    ​-January 2019

    Oral Health
    -May 2022
    -January 2022
    ​-January 2020
    -October 2020
    -November 2017
    -October 2017
    -July 2014

    Overall Health
    -December 2021
    -January 2021

    Pregnancy
    -March 2023

    Scaling and Root Planing
    -October 2018

    Snoring
    -March 2021
    -April 2022

    Sports
    -October 2022

    Vaping
    -July 2017
    -August 2016

    Wisdom Teeth
    -September 2017

    Whitening Teeth
    -October 2021

    More topics coming soon!
    ​

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Jack Bottner
Original website by Outdoor Connections
Updated by Andrea Twarowski