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Acid Reflux Disease & Teeth Pain

Acid reflux disease, also called heartburn or GERD, is an uncomfortable illness characterized by pain in the chest, bad taste, mouth odors, belching and burning in the esophagus. In addition to these symptoms, acid reflux disease also causes tooth pain.

  1. Significance

    • Tooth pain caused by acid reflux disease is a result of stomach acids eroding the enamel. This condition is irreversible.

    Function

    • The acids in the stomach include hydrochloric acid, a potent chemical that slowly erodes the minerals in the tooth enamel.

    Features

    • As the enamel erodes, the inside of the tooth or dentin is exposed. The dentin contains the nerves in the tooth. When they are exposed to hot or cold liquids, hard foods or those that are sweet, the tooth pain will occur.

    Considerations

    • In addition to exposing the dentin, erosion due to acid reflux will also cause the remaining enamel to discolor or chip away.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The only way to prevent tooth pain from acid reflux is to treat the acid reflux. Avoid the foods that trigger the reflux and take over the counter medications. Dentists from the Houston Laser, Cosmetic & Family Dentistry also recommend losing weight and increasing your water intake.

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