Dental treatment for Acid Reflux or GERD patients
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the muscle at the end of your esophagus—the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach—randomly opens for a period of time or does not shut properly. Contents in your stomach, including highly acidic digestive juices, can leak back up into your esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in your chest or throat known as heartburn. You may also taste stomach fluid in the back of your mouth, which is called acid indigestion. GERD occurs when you experience any of these symptoms more than twice a week.
Eventually, GERD can cause a slew of health issues, including ulcers and esophageal cancer. It can also cause dental problems. One major sign of the disease is dental erosion, or dissolving of tooth surfaces. Dental erosion occurs because the acidic juices in the stomach come into contact with the mouth and, over time, break down your teeth.
Dr. Cheng has years of experience working with GERD patients and help them restore the smile they once had.
Treatments include:
– Ceramic crowns and veneers to restore teeth damaged by acid erosion
– Teeth replacement that include dental implants, bridges and implant supported prosthesis
A gastroenterologist can diagnose and help treat the condition. In addition, here’s what you can do to protect your teeth:
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Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after a reflux episode. Brushing may damage enamel that has already been weakened by acid.
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Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which reduces acid in your mouth.
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To reduce the risk of demineralization of your teeth by using mouth rinses and toothpastes containing fluoride.
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To dilute the acid in your mouth, rinse vigorously with water.
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Rinsing with baking soda in water will neutralize the acid.