FACT SHEET: ACID REFLUX

More than 10 percent of Americans Treatments and lifestyle experience the burning and discomfort modifications of heartburn every day. What many don’t GERD can be diagnosed by your physician know is that heartburn, or acid indigestion, using a variety of tests, including pH is a common symptom of chronic monitoring, X-rays, or endoscopy. Though acid reflux, also known as gastroesopheageal GERD is a chronic condition, its symptoms reflux disease (GERD). can be treated using medications and lifestyle modifications. In addition to taking What is acid reflux and GERD? over-the-counter antacids and prescription Acid reflux occurs when muscles of the H2 receptor blockers, you can reduce lower esophagus relax and allow stomach GERD symptoms by: acids to flow upwards into the esophagus • Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, and even the mouth. These stomach including chocolate, spicy/greasy acids can cause irritation and inflammation foods, tomato-based foods, alcohol, of the esophagus while negatively and coffee. impacting your oral health. Acid reflux • Quitting smoking. may progress further, developing into • Refraining from eating several hours GERD. In patients who have GERD, the before bed, or lying down two to esophageal muscles are unable to keep three hours after eating. stomach acids from flowing upwards, • Losing weight if you are overweight causing corrosion of the esophageal or obese. lining and the uncomfortable burning • Avoiding tight clothing. sensation associated with heartburn. Protect your teeth against Signs and symptoms acid reflux Though often times difficult to detect, Practicing good oral hygiene is the best GERD can be associated with the way to prevent acid reflux or GERD from following signs and symptoms: damaging your teeth and causing decay. • Heartburn In addition to brushing twice a day, you • Difficulty swallowing can take the following steps to ensure • Regurgitation GERD doesn’t impact your oral health: • Burning sensation in mouth • Visit your dentist regularly for tooth • Sore throat enamel evaluation. • Nausea, vomiting, belching • Use dentin-sensitive toothpaste. • Chronic coughing • Rinse your mouth with water following • Erosion of tooth enamel acid reflux episodes. • Tooth sensitivity • Do not brush your teeth for 60 minutes • Chipping, discoloration of teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks. • Bad breath • Dissolve baking soda in water and swish around the mouth after acid How does GERD affect reflux occurs. your oral health? • Receive fluoride treatments to In addition to damaging the esophagus strengthen your teeth. and increasing your risk of esophageal • Wear a dentist-prescribed mouthguard cancer, over time GERD can erode tooth at night to prevent acid from damaging enamel. Research indicates tooth enamel your teeth. begins to erode at a pH, or acid level, • Avoid over-the-counter antacids, of 5.5. With a pH of less than 2.0, your especially at night, that have a high stomach acid can easily damage tooth sugar content. enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity, If you believe you may be at risk for acid decay, discoloration, and chipping. reflux or GERD, speak with your dentist or physician. Though GERD can be incredibly damaging to your oral health,

lifestyle modifications and treatment can help ensure your teeth remain safe and healthy.