What Effect Does Gastric Reflux Have On Your Teeth?

GERD: Danger From Within

GERD or Gastroesopgaeal Reflux Disease is the rising of acid from your stomach up to the esophagus and sometime into your mouth. This is characterized by burning sensation on the chest (heart burn) and sour taste or taste of vomit in the mouth. Dentists found its detrimental effect on the enamel of your teeth. So, you have to prevent or cure GERD to make your digestive system healthy from mouth down to the exit of waste.

Causes of GERD

First, you have to identify the top causes of GERD to prevent it. And, if you already have it, you can avoid these things to heighten its occurrence. Here are the things that contribute to GERD:

• Pregnancy. When the baby is growing inside you, it can add pressure to your stomach which forces the sphincter to open and reflux acid.
• Over eating. When the food cannot fit in your stomach, it comes back up to your mouth. You may vomit from it to reduce the amount or your body will induce reflux. Never over eat.
• Peptic ulcer. This disease causes low amount of essential digestive enzymes that are needed for digestion.
• Smoking. A smoker’s saliva is low in bicarbonate which neutralizes the acid in the stomach. This is one of the prime reasons why you have to stop smoking.
• Alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks increase vomiting and GERD.

Effects of GERD on your teeth

GERD can erode teeth. Dentists have seen that children with eating disorders like bulimia have thin teeth which are very brittle. It affects all the teeth in your mouth because the acid can attack everything, but it effects the front teeth more. The gums are also affected.

Diet inclusions that can reduce acid reflux

• Oatmeal. If you eat this for breakfast, it is proven to decrease reflux. It is because, the oats is not too heavy for the stomach to digest and it has a lot of fiber. So, even if you indulge on this and sprinkle a little raisin, your stomach is still safe.
• Ginger. It has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property. It can also cure digestive problems and prevent vomiting.
• Aloe Vera. This plant is not just for the hair and skin. It is also one of the agents that effectively shun reflux. The thick sap can cover and prevent stomach ulceration and retain the digestive enzymes in your stomach.
• Fennel. This is a crunchy vegetable that is great for making salad. This is observed by foodies to lessen gastric reflux.
• Sautéed, grilled or baked fish is a important dish for acid reflux prevention. Just keep in mind never to fry it or it will have a reverse result.

GERD is a condition where the acid reflux into the esophagus will cause ulcers, which in turn can be precancerous and if severe enough, it can also become cancerous. Your dental health will suffer also. It can make your teeth brittle which can lead to several dental issues and very expensive to treat. Prevention is the key to healthy teeth. Eat the food that can reduce GERD and stay healthy. 

By: Ladan Zinati