Acid Reflux and Tooth Sensitivity

If you’ve been experiencing teeth sensitivity and don’t know why, come to the Rancho Cucamonga dental office of Dr. Jia Y. Lee. While the small infections called caries are the most common reason for loss of enamel, patients also need to be on the look-out for acid reflux. This disease has consequences for oral health but is preventable through lifestyle changes.


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more accurate term for what is commonly called heartburn. When the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus fails to close, stomach acid escapes upwards and burns tissues as it goes. When it reaches the mouth, it dissolves tooth enamel. The top back teeth are the first to be affected because of their position. They become discolored as they erode, acquiring a glazed look before small pits develop.


GERD also puts patients at risk of developing esophageal cancer, providing one more reason to prevent it. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol as well as caffeine, fatty foods, citrus juice, dairy, foods from the onion and garlic family, and large meals before bed can only help. Enamel cannot be regrown, but it can be reinforced with dental sealants, and material that has been lost can be replaced with bonding.


Dr. Jia Y. Lee operates at 9477 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730. To schedule an appointment, call 909-989-5598 or visit My Rancho Cucamonga Dentist.


 

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