Acid reflux is a common problem among many individuals. Having reflux means that there is pain at the center of the chest after having a meal and this is mainly known as heartburn. Acid reflux affects the esophagus by damaging the soft tissue surrounding it. You will experience discomfort when you have acid reflux and it makes you feel so much pain in the chest. Our dental team will guide you and show you the connection between acid reflux and dental health.
Effect of acid reflux on the mouth
This is the malfunctioning of the valve that separates the esophagus and the stomach. Normally the valve operates one way where it lets food pass from the esophagus to the stomach and prevent stomach acid from moving backward. Acid reflux means that the valve is no longer working and the acid in the stomach is moving backward. The acid is on the extreme and the esophagus and mouth are not able to handle it. This leads to having low PH in the mouth. The mouth is supposed to maintain the PH to be above neutral and this keeps gums tissues and teeth healthy.
Does the acid damage the teeth?
The tooth enamel is affected by acid and when the mouth is exposed to acid it causes the hard enamel to be eroded. The enamel thickens and the teeth are weak and can get cavities much easily. When the acid wears a small part of enamel it causes a cavity and when the mouth is acid the bacteria are given a chance to grow in the mouth. Our dental team will guide you on how to deal with acid reflux to take care of your teeth and gums so that the acid from reflux does not harm you.
Location
Northview Family Dental 1121 E. Westview Ct. Spokane, WA 99218-1319
Acid reflux is a common problem among many individuals. Having reflux means that there is pain at the center of the chest after having a meal and this is mainly known as heartburn. Acid reflux affects the esophagus by damaging the soft tissue surrounding it. You will experience discomfort when you have acid reflux and it makes you feel so much pain in the chest. Our dental team will guide you and show you the connection between acid reflux and dental health.