Heartburn Can Affect Oral Health
Do you suffer from heartburn, acid reflux or GERD?
These common health concerns can have a detrimental affect on your oral health over time, leading to erosion of tooth enamel. Dr. Charles Nottingham emphasizes the importance of routine dental care and the opportunity it provides for spotting dental concerns early on and discussing overall health issues that can affect the health of your smile.
Tooth enamel plays an important role in protecting your teeth from damage and decay. It acts like a protective shell for the tooth, keeping out harmful bacteria and other dangerous substances that could affect the health of the tooth.
Patients with frequent heartburn and acid reflux will experience a gradual erosion of tooth enamel from repeated exposure to stomach acid which breaks it down over time. In addition, some medications prescribed to treat these health issues can cause dry mouth, which also leads to erosion of tooth enamel as saliva production is diminished.
Signs of Tooth Enamel Erosion
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Tooth discoloration
- Cracks and chips on edges of the teeth
Dr. Nottingham will work with patients to address both the cause and effects of tooth enamel erosion to restore dental health and prevent future damage. He may recommend dietary changes, chewing sugar free gum between meals to boost saliva production and additional oral hygiene products to prevent further loss of enamel. For teeth that have become damaged, cosmetic dental procedures such as cosmetic tooth bonding, dental crowns and dental veneers can strengthen the teeth and restore your smile.
Keeping your smile healthy and functional not only boosts confidence, it allows you to enjoy the best possible quality of life each day.
