How Does Acid Reflux Affect Your Oral Health?
If you struggle with frequent heartburn and have not visited a doctor for treatment, you may want to consider doing this. Frequent heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, and this health problem will not only harm your esophagus; it could also harm your teeth. Here are some of the effects untreated acid reflux can have on your oral health.
It leads to tooth erosion.
Acid reflux is a condition that causes stomach acids to work their way up through a person's esophagus. This can damage the person's esophagus, but it can also damage the person's teeth. The number one effect this condition has on teeth is tooth erosion.
Tooth erosion is something that happens to teeth from many things, including from drinking too many sodas or energy drinks. Tooth erosion refers to the process of the outer layers of teeth wearing away over time. The first layer to go is the enamel, which is the protective layer you have on your teeth. After this goes, inner layers of teeth will start wearing away. Tooth erosion occurs from acid reflux from the frequent acid exposure to teeth.
It can cause bad breath.
Not only does acid reflux cause tooth erosion, but it can also lead to bad breath. This can happen simply from your mouth being exposed to acids and food particles that do not digest properly. It can also happen from dry mouth, which is a common result of acid reflux. If you suffer from bad breath, it is likely a result of your acid reflux; however, good oral care habits each day might help you reduce the odors in your mouth.
It can lead to a variety of tooth problems.
There are many other problems you can experience with your teeth if you do not treat your acid reflux, especially if your teeth are already beginning to erode. Because tooth erosion causes your teeth to wear away, your teeth will not be protected against bacteria. This means that you may have a higher chance of developing decay on your teeth. In addition, this decay can easily spread to your gums, leaving you with a higher chance of having gum disease.
You can reduce these effects by treating your acid reflux, but you may also want to take other steps to protect your teeth and breath. For example, you may want to avoid eating fried foods, citrus foods, and dairy products. These foods can worsen acid reflux, and avoiding them can reduce the symptoms you experience.
Acid reflux is a common health problem that affects many people, but it is also treatable. If you feel that your teeth have been affected by acid reflux, visit a dental clinic like Minnesota Lakes Dental today.
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