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Do You Have Acid Reflux? How To Prevent Damage To Your Teeth

25 April 2016 by Joann Dunn

Do you suffer from frequent acid reflux? This is a common problem that causes acid to get into the mouth and cause a variety of problems. One major issue with acid reflux is the damage it can do to your teeth. If you suffer from acid reflux on a daily basis, you could be gradually wearing down your teeth. As time goes on, your teeth can become misshapen and worn down, causing both pain and embarrassment. The following are some ways you can protect your teeth from stomach acid:

Keep Your Mouth Clear of Acid

After every bout with reflux, take the time to remove the acid from your mouth as soon as you can. The easiest way to do this is by swishing your mouth with some water for a minute then spitting it out. You can also rinse your mouth with mouthwash or saltwater for the same amount of time. Rinsing your mouth can help reduce the amount of acid that gets on your teeth and reduce the damage.

Having Molars Crowned

The back molars are among the most affected teeth in those with acid reflux issues. These teeth are among the most important in your mouth, so it is crucial that they remain strong. If you notice pain when you eat or if your molars are showing signs of wear, your dentist may advise you to get your back molars crowned. This will prevent any further damage to those teeth.

Prevent Acid Reflux

To keep your teeth and overall body healthy, try to prevent the acid reflux through whatever means necessary. There are a variety of things you can do to keep occurrences of reflux down, depending on how bad your circumstances are. If your reflux is bad enough to cause rapid wear on your teeth, you must see a doctor to get it resolved. It may require that you take daily prescription medication. If your issue is not bad enough for medical intervention but still having an effect on your teeth, consider taking over the counter acid reducers or antacids to help. Also, avoid foods that are highly acidic, such as sugar, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Spicy foods and carbonated drinks should be avoided as well.

Having to deal with acid reflux can be a very painful and frustrating part of life and have negative impact on your overall health. It can be really tough on your teeth, causing irreversible damage. Be sure to see a dentist, like Chen Sharon DMD PC, on a regular basis to ensure your teeth are in good shape.

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