Can Acid Reflux Damage Your Teeth?

Yes! Frequent acid reflux can damage your teeth. Repeated exposure to stomach acid gradually wears away their protective enamel, leading to sensitivity, discoloration and damage to the tooth shape.

How Acid Reflux Causes Enamel Erosion

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it doesn’t stand up well to acid. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus and may reach the mouth. This acid temporarily softens the enamel, making it easier to wear down through brushing, chewing or grinding.

Damage from reflux often appears first on the backs of the upper teeth, where stomach acid tends to make the most contact. Because reflux does not always cause noticeable heartburn, or other symptoms, this pattern of wear may be the first sign of a problem.

What Are the Stages of Enamel Erosion?

Enamel erosion usually develops slowly. Although there is no single staging system, the damage generally progresses through four stages.

• Stage 1: Early Changes. Acid begins removing minerals from the enamel’s outer surface. The teeth may lose some of their natural shine or look slightly dull, but there is often no pain.
• Stage 2: Enamel Thinning. As the enamel gets thinner, the edges of the front teeth may look transparent or glass-like. Some people also begin to notice mild sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic.
• Stage 3: Visible Enamel Loss. Once more enamel has worn away, the yellowish dentin underneath can begin to show through. The teeth may look darker, shorter or uneven around the edges. Sensitivity often becomes more noticeable, and weakened areas can chip more easily. Pitting on back teeth begins to form.
• Stage 4: Structural Damage. Severe erosion can leave deep indentations or rounded, cupped areas on the chewing surfaces. Tooth edges may become thin, sharp or fragile. If enough structure has been lost, significant restorative treatment may be needed to rebuild the teeth.

How to Protect Your Teeth From Acid Reflux

Protecting your enamel starts with getting the reflux under control. Talk with your physician if you regularly experience heartburn, a sour taste, acid burps, coughing, difficulty swallowing or other possible signs of GERD.

A few everyday habits can also help limit additional wear:

• Rinse your mouth with water after a reflux episode.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, since brushing right away can scrub softened enamel.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Drink water throughout the day to support healthy saliva flow.
• Cut back on acidic drinks and frequent snacking on acidic foods.
• Avoid whitening toothpastes as well as other abrasive toothpastes.

Regular dental exams are important to detect small changes, which are much easier to manage before they turn into noticeable enamel loss.

How to Fix Enamel Erosion

Enamel that has already worn away cannot be regrown. However, early mineral loss may be strengthened, and worn areas can often be repaired. The right treatment depends on how much enamel is gone and whether the damage is affecting the comfort, appearance or function of your teeth.

Treatment options may include:

• Fluoride products to strengthen and remineralize weakened enamel and ease sensitivity
• Veneers or composite fillings to rebuild worn or damaged areas
• Dental crowns to protect teeth that have lost significant structure
• A custom nightguard if grinding or clenching is adding to the damage

Dr. Brett Broda takes a conservative, individualized approach to restoring worn teeth. At Broda Family Dental, composite restorations follow biomimetic principles, with an emphasis on preserving healthy tooth structure and recreating the tooth’s natural strength and function. If a tooth needs more protection, a CEREC crown can be designed and made right in the office.

FAQ

Protect Your Teeth From Further Enamel Loss

Changes such as sensitivity, thinning edges or yellowing teeth are worth having checked. Dr. Broda can identify what may be causing the wear and recommend treatment based on the amount of enamel damage.

To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St UNIT 300, Boulder, CO 80303, United States.