Acid Reflux

As part of our focus on preventive care, we at Bear Creek Dental want to educate our patients about one of the most common causes of toothaches in adults: acid reflux disease. This condition can be highly damaging to oral health, but there are ways of managing it.

Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it is easily eroded by stomach acid. If a patient’s stomach acid escapes into their esophagus at least twice a week, they are said to be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or, more informally, heartburn. The upper back teeth are the ones in the most vulnerable position and their erosion usually follows a pattern. First, the teeth look frosted and glazed, then they develop small cracks, and finally, the cusps wear away.

Although damaged enamel cannot be regrown, it can be repaired with fillings and partial crowns. But because acid reflux is painful and can contribute to esophageal cancer, patients will need to prevent it anyway. Reducing intake of fatty meats, citrus juice, onions, garlic, chocolate, and alcohol is a good start, as is avoiding large meals before bed and maintaining better posture.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.