Tooth sensitivity could be caused by many things. As a child you were probably taught to associate it with caries, and that’s certainly common. But as people get older, another common cause of toothaches emerges: acid reflux. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we value prevention as well as general maintenance, and we want our patients to enjoy dental comfort. That’s why we want to explain a bit about how lifestyle factors play into enamel erosion and how patients can protect themselves.
Enamel is incredibly hard, but it can still be eroded by acid. Tooth decay occurs when enamel is dissolved by the acid bacteria secrete as they metabolize sugar, but acid can also be regurgitated from a person’s stomach. Normally, the stomach is separated from the esophagus by a sphincter, but this sphincter can get stuck open, or a person may develop a condition in which it opens when they swallow. This would allow stomach acid to escape in gaseous form. What we call “heartburn” is really the sensation of stomach acid burning the esophagus on its way up, and when it reaches the mouth, it can do the same to the teeth. Due to their position, the ones in the back of the upper jaw are the most vulnerable.
People who suffer chronic acid reflux should seek the help of a gastrointestinologist, but there are a few things that might reduce the frequency of attacks. They may try reducing their consumption of alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes, garlic and onions, and red meat, and avoid eating anything in large quantities before lying down. They are also at greater risk if they smoke. We can provide patients’ teeth with additional protection in the form of sealants or fluoridation treatments. Increasing saliva flow by means such as chewing sugarfree gum will also help neutralize more acid.
The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.
No comments:
Post a Comment