You are taking a sip of your favorite iced espresso, and a pointy ache shoots by way of your tooth. Or possibly you are feeling an uncomfortable tingle when having fun with a bowl of scorching soup. You chalk it as much as common sensitivity, maybe because of worn enamel or cavities. However what if the true perpetrator is one thing fully sudden—one thing you don’t even discover occurring?
Silent acid reflux disorder (LPR) could possibly be quietly eroding your enamel, making your tooth delicate to scorching, chilly, and acidic meals. Dr Premila Naidu, Dentist and Founding father of Small Bites Dental Clinic, explains why even these with out typical heartburn signs may be unknowingly damaging their tooth.
The hidden hyperlink between acid reflux disorder and tooth sensitivity
Whereas acid reflux disorder is often related to heartburn, silent reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR) is much extra insidious. In response to Dr Naidu, “Silent reflux doesn’t at all times current with the standard burning sensation within the chest, but abdomen acid should journey up the oesophagus, reaching the mouth and carrying down enamel.”
Enamel is the exhausting outer layer of the tooth that acts as a protecting defend. As soon as it wears away, the underlying dentin turns into uncovered, resulting in elevated sensitivity.
Moreover, silent reflux can contribute to dry mouth by lowering saliva manufacturing. “Saliva is crucial for neutralizing acid and remineralizing enamel,” Dr Naidu notes. With out sufficient saliva, the results of acid erosion develop into much more pronounced, exacerbating tooth sensitivity.
Stress can contribute to acid reflux disorder, which erodes tooth enamel, damages gums, and may result in tooth loss if left untreated. (file)
Methods to defend your tooth from acid reflux disorder harm
The excellent news? There are methods to fight acid-related tooth sensitivity. Dr Naidu recommends a two-pronged strategy: managing reflux signs and strengthening enamel.
Dietary and Life-style Adjustments
- Keep away from set off meals resembling spicy dishes, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic fruits.
- Eat smaller, extra frequent meals as a substitute of huge parts.
- Don’t lie down instantly after consuming—wait not less than two to a few hours.
- Elevate the pinnacle of your mattress to stop acid from touring up the esophagus at night time.
- Scale back stress, as it may possibly exacerbate acid reflux disorder.
Dental Care Methods
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- Use fluoride toothpaste to assist remineralize and strengthen enamel.
- Rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash after meals to neutralize acid.
- Keep away from brushing instantly after acid publicity, because the enamel is quickly softened.
- Go for a soft-bristled toothbrush to stop additional enamel put on.
- Keep hydrated to advertise saliva manufacturing.
For these with persistent silent reflux, Dr Naidu suggests extra preventive measures like chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva circulation and ingesting alkaline water to neutralize acid. “Visiting a dentist frequently is essential,” she emphasizes, “as silent reflux harm usually goes unnoticed till vital enamel loss has occurred.”
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.