Does acid reflux affect tooth enamel?

Because of its high acidic pH (2.0 or less), stomach acid can cause major erosion in tooth enamel, leaving them pitted, yellow and sensitive. If not caught and treated early, some of your teeth could be damaged to the point that they have a questionable prognosis.

Can acid reflux cause enamel erosion?

Acid reflux can cause dental erosion, a condition where the tooth enamel dissolves, making them susceptible to damage, discoloration and decay.

How can I protect my teeth from acid reflux?

How to Protect Your Teeth

1. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks.
2. Limiting spicy or sour foods.
3. Chewing sugar-free gum.
4. Brushing and flossing every day.
5. Swishing your mouth with water after eating.
6. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
7. Waiting an hour to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something acidic.

Does stomach acid eat enamel?

Stomach acid, which has a PH of 1 or 2, can destroy your tooth enamel – the hard, outer layer of the tooth. Acid attacks cause your enamel to lose minerals. While enamel can repair itself – it uses minerals in saliva and fluoride – repeated acid attacks weaken and destroy enamel.

What can GERD do to teeth?

Over time, GERD can erode tooth enamel. Research shows that enamel erodes at a pH (acid level) of 5.5. With a pH of less than 2.0, your stomach acid can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause hot/cold sensitivity, decay, discoloration and chipping.

Can acid reflux cause loose teeth?

With a pH of 2.0 or less, stomach acid can lower the mouth’s normal pH level of 7.0 well below the 5.5 pH threshold for enamel softening and erosion. This can cause your teeth, primarily the inside surfaces of the upper teeth, to become thin, pitted or yellowed.

Can you rebuild tooth enamel?

Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.

Can acid reflux affect your gums and teeth?

The acid causes irritation of your gums which can turn into periodontal disease. It’s much like allowing your teeth to bathe in acid. If this is allowed to continue for extended periods, the enamel on your teeth will end up damaged.

How do I neutralize the acid in my teeth?

Following exposure to strong acids, you can help to neutralise the acid by:

1. rinsing your mouth with water or a fluoride mouth rinse.
2. rinsing your mouth with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mouth rinse (one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water)
3. consuming dairy products.

Can GERD cause gum problems?

Though it is a digestive condition, GERD can damage teeth and gums by allowing powerful stomach acids to flow back up the digestive tract and into the mouth. It can also cause other health problems.

Can acid reflux affect your gums?

Can acid reflux affect teeth and gums?