How Acid Reflux Affects Your Oral Health? Find out

It’s no secret that the food we consume often takes a significant toll on our health. Particularly, it affects our digestive system and gives rise to issues like acid reflux. But what exactly causes acid reflux?

At the junction of our oesophagus and stomach is a valve known as the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES allows food to enter the stomach and then closes to prevent the backward flow of stomach contents. However, when the LES does not close properly or weakens, the acidic contents of the stomach can flow back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, bloating, etc.

Given the gravity of the situation, it becomes crucial to not just explore the causes and symptoms of acid reflux but also the varied ways in which it can affect one’s dental health.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acids back up into the oesophagus, causing discomfort and a bitter taste in the mouth.

The occurrence of this disease is attributed to the weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter. It is essential for individuals to detect this ailment early on to prevent severe complications including, but not limited to, dental issues.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Bloating
• Burping
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Sore throat

How Acid Reflux Affects Your Dental Health?

The repercussions of acid reflux extend to the oral cavity, substantially impacting dental health. The continual backflow of stomach acids into the mouth wears away the enamel of the teeth, paving the way for tooth cavities and decay.

Furthermore, it can lead to sensitive teeth and cause bad breath, rendering individuals self-conscious. Hence, understanding and reducing acid reflux symptoms should be a pivotal part of one’s treatment approach for acid reflux.

8 Easy Tips to Keep Acid Reflux from Damaging Your Teeth

1. Go for Regular Dental Check-ups

As they say, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Regular dental check-ups can help in identifying early signs of enamel erosion and treat acid reflux better.

2. Invest in a Fluoride Toothpaste

Utilise fluoride toothpaste to reinforce the enamel, offering it an additional layer of protection against the acids from reflux.

3. Avoid Certain Foods

Understand the foods that aggravate your acid reflux symptoms and exclude them from your diet. Common culprits include spicy foods, fatty or fried items, citrus fruits, chocolate, and beverages containing caffeine. If you cannot completely avoid them, try to consume these trigger foods in moderation and not frequently.

4. Make Lifestyle Changes

Elevating the head of your bed can prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus. Note that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the stomach, thus reducing symptoms of acid reflux.

5. Shop for Loose-Fitting Clothing

Tight clothing can add unnecessary pressure on your abdomen, worsening acid reflux symptoms. You must consider wearing clothing that allows you to move freely and doesn’t constrain your abdominal region, especially post meals.

6. Avoid Lying Down Post Meals

Avoid lying down for at least three hours after eating to prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. Remaining upright aids in the digestion process, reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

7. Eat Smaller Meal Portions

Consuming smaller meal portions is easier on your digestive system and can prevent the overproduction of stomach acid. You must aim to eat smaller meals at regular intervals rather than three large meals, to keep acid reflux symptoms at bay.

8. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water can help in neutralising the acidic environment in your mouth created due to reflux. Remember that staying hydrated is not just good for your dental health but beneficial for your overall well-being.

Get Healthy and Shiny Teeth with makeO toothsi

In conclusion, acid reflux not only affects your digestive system but extends its repercussions to your dental health, emphasising the dire need for an upgraded oral care regime. Adopting a solid dental care routine with makeO toothsi products like smart electric toothbrushes, water flossers, teeth whitening kits can change your dental care game like never before.

In the endeavour to shield your teeth from the harmful effects of acid reflux, makeO toothsi presents an impressive range of dental care products, ergonomically designed for oral care enthusiasts across India. Our new-age and uber-cool dental care products ensure the utmost care for your teeth and gums and promise to give you a swoon worthy smile.

FAQs:

1. How does acid reflux affect the enamel of the teeth?

Acid reflux can erode and damage your enamel. This means that it can make your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay.

2. Can acid reflux symptoms be a cause of bad breath?

Yes, the regurgitation of stomach acids, which happens to be one of the common symptoms of acid reflux can cause bad breath in some people.

3. How can one mitigate the acid reflux symptoms affecting dental health?

Through regular dental check-ups and maintaining a healthy oral hygiene regime, one can reduce the damaging effects of acid reflux symptoms.

4. Are there specific toothpastes to help those suffering from acid reflux?

Yes, using toothpaste enriched with fluoride can help protect the teeth from the effects of acid reflux.

5. Can lifestyle changes reduce acid reflux symptoms affecting dental health?

Yes, absolutely. Certain changes like diet alteration and weight management can considerably lessen the acid reflux symptoms impacting dental health.