Tooth decay is a regular issue that a lot of people have. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the main reasons why teeth wear down. GERD is a digestive issue that happens when stomach acid runs back into the esophagus, making it painful and causing other problems.
People with GERD can have it at night (nocturnal) and during the day (daytime). Fourteen to eighty-one percent of people who said they had GERD symptoms also had symptoms when they were asleep. Sleep-related gastric reflux disease (GERD) is more common during the lighter stages of non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep than during the REM stage. This is especially true during the first two hours of sleep.
Another difference is that these events happen less often than when you are awake, but they last longer. It has been seen that each case of GERD that occurs during sleep usually lasts for 15–20 minutes, while during the awake stage, it only lasts for 1-2 minutes.
Sometimes, these events can happen repeatedly, dropping the stomach’s pH below 4.0 for about an hour and a half. There may be ten minutes during which the pH stays at 1.0, but the pH slowly rises above 4.0. When someone has GERD caused by sleep, there is a higher chance that both the esophageal and extraesophageal structures will become worn down. This case brings this risk to light.
If stomach acid gets into the mouth, it can hurt the teeth. If you eat or drink something very acidic, it can wear away at your teeth over time. The complex, protected skin outside your teeth is called enamel. If it wears out, it can make your teeth sensitive, hurt, or even get cavities.
Having stomach acid on your teeth repeatedly can also darken and break them. The teeth might even come loose and fall out in the worst cases. Because of this, people with GERD should get help immediately to keep their teeth and gums from worsening.
Recommended Options
You can do things to keep your teeth from wearing down if you have GERD. Some of these are using water to rinse your mouth after vomiting or reflux, staying away from acidic foods and drinks, and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel.
Finally, tooth erosion from GERD can hurt your teeth and your mouth health as a whole. You can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years if you avoid GERD and protect your teeth.
Several Issues
This could cause several issues, such as:
Having a hard time with hot and cold foods and drinks
It hurts to chew
Teeth with stains
Teeth that are broken or chipped
Loss of teeth
If you have GERD, you should take steps to keep your teeth from wearing down. Here are some ideas:
Stay away from foods and drinks that make your GERD worse. Foods that are spicy, fatty, acidic, or contain coffee and booze are common causes.
Throughout the day, eat small meals often.
Wait to eat right before bed.
When you sleep, put your head and shoulders up.
Is your weight too high or too low? Lose weight.
Give up smoking.
Do what your doctor tells you to do with over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
General Advice
These are some general tips to protect your teeth from GERD damage. Here are some specific things you can do:
Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Refrain from brushing your teeth right after eating or drinking, mainly if you ate or drank something acidic.
After you eat or drink, rinse your mouth with water.
Use a spray with fluoride.
You should see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Several treatments can help if you already have tooth loss from GERD. Your dentist might suggest fluoride treatments, glue, or veneers, among other things. Crowns or bridges may be needed in the worst cases.
Protect your teeth and keep your smile healthy by stopping and treating GERD-caused tooth decay.
