Can Acid Reflux Make Your Teeth Hurt?

Almost all of us are familiar with the discomfort and pain associated with acid reflux, also known as GERD, or commonly described as indigestion or heartburn. But can something that originates in the stomach and affects digestion also make your teeth hurt? Your dentist in Spring Hill is here to tell you that yes, acid reflux can make your teeth hurt and can even cause irreversible damage to your pearly whites.

Acid Reflux & Dental Health

Acid reflux, GER, GERD, heartburn, and indigestion are all similar in symptoms and are often used interchangeably to describe the same thing. Let’s get on the same page and refer to it as one thing in this blog — acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acids responsible for breaking down foods work their way up into the esophagus. The result is a burning, often painful sensation in the chest. But it can also affect the teeth.

Acid is one of the most concerning things for your dentist in Spring Hill. It can easily wear away at that super-strong protective layer of tooth enamel and leave teeth at increased risk of decay and cavities. If not caught early, the damage caused by acid reflux may be irreversible or difficult to treat. However, when your dentist identifies the damage early, your teeth may be treated with fillings, a crown, or bonding.

Signs of Acid Reflux

Many people can experience acid reflux differently, but some of the most common signs include:

• Heartburn
• Bad breath
• Acidic taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tooth sensitivity

It’s important to note that dental damage caused by acid reflux may not be noticeable, especially in the early stages. This is yet another reason why it’s so important to see your dentist in Spring Hill regularly.

How to Protect Your Teeth

If you have acid reflux, you may be thinking that it’s only a matter of time before the acid gets the best of your teeth. But that’s not necessarily true. There are many medications available that can help reduce how often you experience symptoms of acid reflux. A gastroenterologist can help you find the best one for you. Outside of medication, your dentist may recommend some other things you can do to protect your teeth against stomach acid, such as:

• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks
• Limiting spicy or sour foods
• Chewing sugar-free gum
• Brushing and flossing every day
• Swishing your mouth with water after eating
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Waiting an hour to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something acidic

As with many dental problems, early detection is key. Make sure you visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings so any potential problems can be treated early, when success is more likely, and when long-term damage is minimized.

Oral Care in Spring Hill, TN for Patients With Acid Reflux

Managing reflux takes teamwork between your doctor and your dentist. Here are a few extra steps for protecting your teeth that go beyond the basics.

Nighttime Reflux Is Especially Hard on Teeth

When you lie down, acid travels up more easily, and your mouth produces less saliva while you sleep, so acid lingers on your teeth longer. Ask your doctor about steps that may help, such as finishing your last meal a few hours before bed or raising the head of your bed.

Choose Enamel-Friendly Products

Brush with a fluoride toothpaste, which helps strengthen enamel that acid has weakened, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don’t wear down softened enamel. If your teeth are already sensitive, ask us about professional fluoride treatments for added protection.

Rinse After a Reflux Episode

If you notice acid in your mouth, rinse with plain water. Then hold off on brushing, as acid temporarily makes enamel soft.

Silent Reflux: When There’s No Heartburn

Some people have reflux without the classic burning sensation, often called silent reflux. Clues can include a chronic cough, frequent throat clearing, hoarseness, or the feeling of a lump in the throat. Because there’s no heartburn to warn you, wear on your teeth may be one of the first signs, which makes regular dental visits even more important.

What Your Dentist Looks For

During your exam, we check for signs of acid erosion, such as teeth that look thinner or slightly see-through along the edges, smooth, shiny, worn spots, small dents on chewing surfaces, or teeth that look more yellow as the layer beneath the enamel shows through. Let us know if you’ve been diagnosed with acid reflux or are taking medication for it, so we can monitor your teeth more closely and tailor your care.

Should You Call Your Dentist or Your Doctor?

• Call your dentist if you have lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or teeth that look worn or discolored.
• See your doctor if you have heartburn two or more times a week, trouble swallowing, or symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter remedies.

Whether you’re managing reflux or simply want to protect your smile, our team provides oral care in Spring Hill, TN, tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule your visit.

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