All Coast Dental

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Acid Reflux and Tooth Decay

Acid reflux is a painful condition, but most patients may not know how bad it is for their teeth. At All Coat Dental, we regularly see the ravages of this disease on enamel, and want our patients to better understand it and what can be done.


Stomach acid is extremely corrosive. The stomach has a thick mucus lining to protect itself, but when acid escapes into the esophagus, it causes burns which could turn into ulcers or tumors. If it gets as far as the mouth, the inward-facing surfaces of the upper teeth which are usually the most affected. Decay caused by acid reflux is a gradual process in which the teeth first appear glazed, then pitted and cracked. It painfully weakens enamel and reduces the teeth’s grinding surfaces, impeding their function.


Patients can reduce how frequently they suffer acid reflux by maintaining better diet and posture. Fried foods, garlic and onions, citrus juice, chocolate, and alcohol are known to be contributors to acid reflux. But to fix enamel erosion that’s already occurred, they may need restorations such as white fillings and partial crowns.


Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.


 

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