Acid Reflux and Your Smile | 47807 Dentist
Do you struggle with frequent heartburn? Everyone gets a case of it every now and then. If you get it more than two or three times a week, that’s a sign that you may be struggling with acid reflux disease. This not-uncommon condition comes with a list of other symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Bloating or burping
- Hiccups
- Bloody or black stools
- Regurgitation
- Weight loss
- Sore throat, dry cough, wheezing, or hoarseness
None of these symptoms account for how acid reflux disease can impact your smile, though. You might not have thought that acid reflux could do anything to your smile, but as we’ve said before on this blog, your oral and overall health are inextricably linked; what happens in one part of the body can absolutely impact another.
When a patient experience heartburn, a small amount of stomach acid has leaked out of the stomach and gotten into the esophagus. If any of this acid touches the teeth, the protective layer of enamel on the outside is in danger of being damaged.
A smile that’s been damaged by acid may experience the following symptoms:
- Sensitivity, especially to foods that are hot, cold, or sweet
- Teeth that have thinned or shortened
- Pain or irritation
- Teeth with sharp edges
Through regular care with Dr. Ann Bonness and Dr. Richard Bonness, we can help you stay on top of your oral health with regular checkups and cleanings. We hope to see all of our patients twice a year, if possible. Call us today to reserve an appointment today. We serve patients from Camby, Mooresville, Plainfield, Indianapolis, Monrovia, Martinsville, and beyond.