Acid reflux is an often uncomfortable condition that can impact our quality of life in notable ways. More worrying, the increased presence of acid in the oral cavity can have a detrimental impact on the health of our teeth. Thankfully, with diligence and careful consideration of our condition, the oral health risks of acid reflux can be reduced. The Bluejay Family Dental team is here to help you understand the risks of acid reflux and how to keep your smile looking great for years.
How You Can Protect Your Smile From Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a gastrointestinal condition that can have notable impacts on the health of your teeth and oral tissues. Also known as acid reflux, it is indicated by stomach acid being able to flow back into the esophagus. When this happens, the stomach acid can reach the mouth. When this happens, the rear teeth can be subject to enamel erosion caused by the acid softening of the enamel. This is typically observable as thinning enamel, dental sensitivity to temperature, and the formation of cavities. Avoiding long-term oral health consequences from acid reflux requires vigilance and the assistance of your dental team.
Some steps you can take to protect your smile include:
- Consistent Oral Hygiene Practices: Flossing and brushing are always important, especially when you’re suffering from acid reflux. Maintaining a robust hygiene routine will reduce the ability of acid reflux to impact the health and strength of your enamel.
- Brush Strategically: Waiting 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating or an episode of acid reflux will net you the best results. Food and acid can serve to soften the enamel. Brushing while it’s softened increases your risk of enamel erosion. Waiting 30 minutes gives your enamel time to harden again.
- Water Rinses: If you experience a bout of acid reflux, you should follow it immediately by gargling with fresh, clean water. This will help rinse the acid away from your teeth and neutralize what’s remaining.
- Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum is known to stimulate the production of saliva without adding extra sugar to your oral cavity. Saliva helps to balance the pH level of your mouth, rinse away debris, and help produce a healthier environment in your oral cavity.
- Mind Your Diet: If your acid reflux occurs in response to certain dietary choices, then avoiding those foods can be an effective strategy to protect your smile.
Partner With Us To Protect Your Smile From Acid Reflux
Bluejay Family Dental is dedicated to the practice of patient education. We know that there’s no more effective way to protect our patient’s smiles than by helping them understand their oral health and the conditions that impact it. When you schedule a visit to our location in Council Bluffs, IA, you’ll be taking the first step to protect your smile from acid reflux. You can reach out to us at (712) 256-6263 and arrange for your first visit. We’ll take steps to understand the full scope of your oral health concerns and develop an effective dental treatment plan to help you reach your oral health goals.