If you suffer from acid reflux disease, then your're probably very familiar with its intrusive symptoms. They include heartburn, a burning sensation in your throat, frequent throat clearing, coughing, and feeling as though you have a lump in your throat.
Tooth and gum problems related to acid reflux disease are commonly seen in dentistry practices, and while your dentist can treat your symptoms, you will need to get frequent dental checkups so that the condition of your teeth and gums can be closely monitored. Here are some oral consequences of acid reflux disease and what you can do about them:
Acid Erosion
When you have a weak esophageal sphincter muscle, irritating stomach acid can escape from your stomach and travel into your upper digestive tract. If your stomach acid makes contact with your back molars, your dentist may notice that your tooth enamel is damaged.
Stomach acid can erode your dental enamel, which can raise your risk for cavities. When your enamel gets weak, or if it gets too thin as a result of erosion, bacteria can invade your tooth, causing cavities and infections of the pulp. If you have acid erosion, your dentist can recommend an enamel-strengthening toothpaste, which will help protect your teeth from oral bacteria.
Soreness Of The Gums And Tongue
If you notice that your gums or tongue feel sore, or if they are especially red or inflamed, then you might have acid reflux disease. Stomach acid is very irritating to your soft tissues, and in addition to mouth irritation, it can also cause a sore throat.
Sometimes, acid reflux can be so severe that it causes your throat to swell up, making it hard to swallow. To soothe the burning sensations on your gums and tongue, rinse your mouth out with a weak salt solution, which will help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin because they can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms even further. If home remedies fail to relieve your sore gums and tongue, your dentist can recommend a soothing oral rinse that is enzyme-based instead of alcohol-based, which can cause oral irritation.
If you have acid reflux disease, talk to your family physician about effective treatment options, then make an appointment with your dentist. When both of these healthcare providers are involved in your treatment plan, you will be more likely to enjoy long-term relief from your acid reflux-related symptoms.
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