Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Acid Reflux Tips for the Holidays

Is your anticipation of Thanksgiving mixed with dread of heartburn? We hope not, but you should know that if you suffer from acid reflux frequently, your teeth may be in danger, too. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we don’t want that for our patients, so we’re teaching people to better understand what acid reflux does to the teeth and how they can prevent it.


The sensation of heartburn is caused by stomach acid escaping into the esophagus. This can happen if the sphincter that connects to the stomach opens when a person swallows and is unable to shut. Repeated acid exposure puts people at heightened risk for esophageal cancer and it can get into their lungs, but the acid more commonly ends up in their mouths. There, it erodes the enamel on the inward-facing sides of the teeth, making them more sensitive. It also causes bad breath and its interference with the mouth’s pH level puts people at greater risk for an oral infection.


People can reduce their chance of getting acid reflux by eating in an upright posture and avoiding large meals less than three hours before bed. They would also do well to avoid caffeine, alcohol, garlic, tomatoes, and citrus juice. Saliva flow can be increased by sucking on sugar-free candy, lots of water consumption, and throat moisturizers.


Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.


 

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