Dental Health: Why Your Heartburn Issue Might Be A Big Deal

Are you someone suffering from consistent heartburn? Do you have stomach aches and you’re not sure what’s going on? Do your symptoms include a sour taste in your mouth or the sensation of acid splashing up into your mouth? If so, this is something you may wish to treat for more reasons than one (of course, one of them includes your dental health). Today, our Saxonburg, PA team discusses finding out about GERD and why treating it is most certainly an essential step in keeping your oral health safe.

What’s GERD All About?

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It means that the sphincter (or muscle) between your stomach and your esophagus opens when it should remain closed. The result? Acid moves back into your esophagus and often back into your mouth. This is dangerous because it can cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms, while the acids (that shouldn’t be there) can irritate and damage your body’s tissues. This means bad news for your dental health!

GERD Symptoms To Consider

If you just have occasional heartburn that goes away on its own or with a quick antacid, then you may not have GERD. However, if you’re dealing with a chronic issue that includes the following symptoms, it is probably time to speak with your general practitioner:

• You feel like you have a lump in your throat
• You experience heartburn or pain near your sternum
• You sometimes cough up what seems like acid or food

About Your Mouth

You know that in general, as our team has explained, when the environment in your mouth becomes too acidic or when teeth are exposed directly to acids, this isn’t a good thing for your dental health! Your enamel is strong but it can absolutely be worn down by acid erosion, as strong substances essentially eat away at your tissue. When you’re suffering from GERD, the acidity of your mouth can become dangerous for your teeth. While drinking water when you notice your mouth tastes sour (and sipping this over other beverages throughout the day) can certainly help, GERD is a problem you should really get under control. It’s good not only for your smile health but also for your entire well being! Have questions? Don’t hesitate to ask.

See Us Soon For Help With Acid Erosion

If you’re worried that your teeth are dealing with the results of acid erosion, let us know during your next dental visit! Receive comprehensive, comfortable personalized dental care in Saxonburg, PA by contacting Saxonburg Dental Care today at (724) 352-4440.