Acid reflux is one of the leading causes of tooth decay in adults. While the dentists of Riverwalk Dental can provide dental restorations to patients whose teeth have been ravaged by this disease, it is important for patients to understand which lifestyle factors put them at risk.
Stomach acid is highly corrosive. It is kept in check by the stomach’s mucous lining and by a sphincter which separates it from the esophagus, but acid reflux occurs when swallowing causes the sphincter to open. A patient is said to have Gastroesophageal reflux disease if this happens more than twice a week (this condition is also misleadingly called heartburn). Acid reflux is painful and causes ulcers, and in the worst cases, tumors, in the esophagus. If it reaches as far as the mouth, it tends to wear away the enamel of the back molars, which are the first teeth to be exposed to it.
To prevent acid reflux, patients should avoid foods and drinks with high contents of fat, alcohol, and caffeine. They should also avoid foods with citric acids, such as tomatoes, as well as onions and garlic, and avoid eating in large quantities before lying down. Smoking and slouching also increase peoples’ risk of acid reflux.
Dr. Jared Palmer and Dr. Roger Chen operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.
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