If you have acid reflux or gastrointestinal disease (GERD), your stomach and esophagus are not the only parts of your body that are at risk; your teeth and gums may be affected as well. This medical condition means that stomach acids sometimes travel up your esophagus and into your mouth. You may experience tooth erosion and periodontal issues as a result.

Your family doctor can make the official diagnosis and give you treatment and advice. This may involve taking medication, eating smaller meals and abstaining from foods with a high pH such as tomato, citrus, onions, and spicy foods or other trigger foods like chocolate, alcohol or coffee.

Dentists can sometimes notice acid reflux symptoms because of its effect on your teeth. You may also observe a sinus infection, heartburn, swallowing issues, bad breath, or a hoarse feeling in the throat.

Dental treatment will depend upon what dental condition you develop as a result of acid reflux. If you have enamel erosion, we will likely offer a fluoride treatment or suggest that you buy fluoride supplements to rebuild your dental armor. If you have gum disease, we can clean your teeth and gums and offer further treatment as needed.

If your dental health is feeling the effects of acid reflux, Contemporary Dental Arts in Tulsa, Oklahoma can help. Give us a call at 918-459-9090 to book an appointment with Dr. Matthew Warlick.