Gastric reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach contents reflux into the mouth. While most people have experienced some form of “heartburn” in their lifetime, the continual process of gastric reflux can cause permanent and severe loss of tooth structure. Patients are often not aware of the damage that reflux-induced erosion can do to their teeth until it has reached an advanced and very visible stage of destruction.
Tooth enamel begins to dissolve at around a 5.5 pH (like that of tea). Stomach acid has the pH of around 2.0 (like that of a lemon). Because stomach acid has an extremely low pH, the potential for chemical erosion is very high. The picture above shows the effects of acid erosion on the teeth. The enamel on the tongue side of the teeth is almost completely eroded away, showing the yellow second coating of the teeth.
Certain foods, beverages and habits can cause or exacerbate gastric reflux. If you have chronic or frequently occurring gastric reflux, some things to consider:
• Avoid eating acidic foods and foods that can cause reflux (tomatoes, citric foods, spicy foods, fatty meats, dairy, caffeine)
• Avoid brushing for 60 minutes after a reflux episode
• Rinse your mouth with water after a reflux episode to help neutralize the pH of your mouth
• Chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate the production of saliva to buffer the acid and help return your mouth to a more neutral pH