Dental Care for Acid Reflux – Boston, MA

How Dental Health and Wellness Boston Can Help

Dr. Smith and her distinguished team at Dental Health & Wellness Boston are committed to advancing awareness about the relationship between acid reflux and dental health. Acid reflux, if left unaddressed, can lead to substantial damage to tooth enamel, resulting in premature wear and increased susceptibility to cavities and sensitivity. The erosion of tooth structure often necessitates complex and costly dental interventions that could be largely prevented with timely diagnosis and management.

Moreover, the implications of untreated acid reflux extend beyond dental concerns, potentially impacting overall health. Chronic acid reflux can contribute to a host of systemic issues, including esophageal damage and respiratory complications. Our practice is dedicated to educating both patients and healthcare providers about these risks, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. Through our proactive approach, we strive to safeguard not only oral health but also general well-being, underscoring our commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

What Are The Signs Or Symptoms Of Teeth With Erosion Due To Acid Reflux?

• Pain or irritation in your mouth
• Sensitivity to certain foods and drinks, especially hot, cold, or sweet
• Sharp tooth edges
• Thinning or shortened teeth
• Darkening teeth

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease?

Common symptoms of acid reflux are:

• Heartburn – a burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat
• Regurgitation – a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth
• Bloating
• Bloody or black stools or bloody vomiting
• Burping
• Dysphagia – a narrowing of your esophagus, which creates the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
• Hiccups that don’t let up
• Nausea
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat

How Is Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosed?

It’s time to see your doctor if you have acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week, or if your dentist at Dental Health & Wellness Boston sees changes in your tooth enamel indicative of acid reflux. Your physician will be contacted and asked to consider ordering tests to confirm a diagnosis and check for other problems. You may need one or more tests in Boston such as these:

• Barium swallow (esophagram) can check for ulcers or a narrowing of the esophagus. You first swallow a solution to help structures show up on an X-ray.
• Esophageal manometry can check the function of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter.
• pH monitoring can check for acid in your esophagus. The doctor inserts a device into your esophagus and leaves it in place for one to two days to measure the amount of acid in your esophagus.
• Endoscopy can check for problems in your esophagus or stomach. This test involves inserting a long, flexible, lighted tube down your throat. First, the doctor will spray the back of your throat with anesthetic and give you a sedative to make you more comfortable.
• A biopsy may be taken during endoscopy to check samples of tissue under a microscope for infection or abnormalities.