acid reflux causing dental cavities

sarahbrennan

my detist told me today that i had demineralization on all my front teeth and i needed a small filling. we figured out that it was caused by my acid reflux , he recommended a flouride mouthwash to strengthen them, to keep them really clean, and to chew gum when i have the reflux to reduce the acid in my mouth.

im wondering if anyone else had this problem and if you've got any tips as im quite worried about my teeth long term.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I cannot really comment on your specific case but in general acid erosion is a more and more common problem these days especially in younger people.

Acid causes tooth decay, the acid can be from the bacteria on your teeth fermenting the carbohydrates in your food and dissolving your teeth (classic cavities) or from the passing of acid from food or your stomach onto the tooth surface ( Acid errosion) .

The pattern of the errosion is different but the end result is the same your tooth substance is dissolved.

There are two types of acid errosion:
Extrinsic - where the acid come from a outside source such as fizzy drinks (even diet ones), citric fruits or juices or occupation hazards.

Intrinsic - stomach acids attack the teeth. GORD or GERD is the name for reflux disease which is common even in young people. Other causes are vomiting from eating disorders or ulcers or binge drinking.

Whatever the cause it can really badly damage your teeth if let progress for a long time, and the damage that is done is tricky to fix. The first step is usually to find the source of the acid, cut the source out and then fix the teeth. Fluoride in mouthwash, water and toothpaste help remineralize the teeth and makes the teeth less acid vulnerable. Some new products contain remineralizing agents also.

If the problem is not that bad often your dentist will just take models of your teeth and store them also advising you about how to cut out dietary acids or referring you to a doctor for advice on stomach problems. Then when you come back for your check visits the dentist can compare the models to see if the errosion is progressing.

If the problem has dissolved a lot of tooth and the teeth are not looking good or are sensitive sometimes some restorative treatment is needed.

Prevention is the key.

Gu3rr1lla

tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar a day should treat your acid reflux, you should see the results in a few weeks. Try to cut out acidic foods and start eating more alkalised foods. Your body is much more healthier in an alkalised diet anyway. Here is a list of alkalised and acidic foods http://www.chionline.com/anatomy/chiropractic/acid.htm **not affiliated with this site - just googled list of acidic and alkalised food** though some of these alkalised foods, like fruits, are actually bad for your teeth but can cure your acid reflux, just do a some research on what you're eating

As for the dental side of things, what fitzgeme said ^.^

taram

Due to a medical problem I often get sick, was told to rinse my mouth out with milk to alkanise it. I also have a special tooth mousse that I apply on the affected teeth that has helped remineralise them.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Taram - how much is that tooth mouse per tube?

sarahbrennan

thanks everyone for your replies, ill definately look into the apple cider vinegar, a couple of other people mentioned it too. For my teeth at the minute im just using the flouride mouth wash and brushing twice a day , iv been rinsing my mouth with milk as well wen i have the actual refux. thanks again

btkm8unsl0w5r4

sarahbrennan wrote: »

thanks everyone for your replies, ill definately look into the apple cider vinegar, a couple of other people mentioned it too. For my teeth at the minute im just using the flouride mouth wash and brushing twice a day , iv been rinsing my mouth with milk as well wen i have the actual refux. thanks again

Seriously as well as the (totally non medical) advice given hear go to a doctor and find out why you have the reflux dont just treat the symptoms. Home remidied can work but are no supstitute for professional advice.

Colgate Flouriguard is a good mouth wash. Dont brush directly after a reflux episode,

sarahbrennan

im waiting on a consultant appointment for my stomach so hopefully we'll be able to sort it out, ill put up another post after that. thanks for your help