Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: 4 minutes
Acid reflux can damage your teeth when stomach acid repeatedly reaches your mouth. Over time, the acid can dissolve minerals in the enamel and cause dental erosion. Because enamel that has been physically lost does not grow back, recognizing and limiting repeated acid exposure can help prevent further damage.
How Acid Reflux Causes Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Although enamel is very strong, repeated exposure to stomach acid can soften and gradually wear away its mineral structure.
This process is called enamel erosion or tooth erosion. Unlike cavities, which involve acids produced by bacteria, dental erosion is the chemical loss of tooth structure caused by direct exposure to strong acids. Acid reflux is one possible source because it can bring acidic stomach contents into the mouth.
Signs of Enamel Erosion
Early enamel erosion may be difficult to notice. As erosion progresses, changes to the appearance, shape, and sensitivity of your teeth may become more noticeable.
Signs can include:
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Smooth, shiny, or worn-looking tooth surfaces
- Rounded or flattened tooth edges
- Small depressions or cupping on chewing surfaces
- Teeth that appear more yellow as the enamel becomes thinner
- Changes in the shape or length of the teeth
These changes can have several causes, so a dental exam is important if you notice signs of tooth wear.
How Does Enamel Erosion Progress?
Enamel erosion usually develops gradually with repeated acid exposure. As more enamel is lost, changes to the appearance and sensitivity of the teeth can become more noticeable.
- Early erosion: Acid begins softening and removing minerals from the enamel surface. Changes may be difficult to see, and you may not have symptoms.
- Moderate erosion: Continued enamel loss can make the teeth look smoother, thinner, or more rounded. Sensitivity may develop as less enamel remains to protect the underlying tooth.
- Advanced erosion: More extensive wear can expose the dentin beneath the enamel. Teeth may become increasingly sensitive, change shape, or lose significant tooth structure.
The rate of progression differs from person to person based on the severity of the acid reflux.
Protecting Your Teeth From Acid Reflux
If reflux regularly brings stomach acid into your mouth, reducing the amount of acid contact with your teeth can help limit further erosion. Managing the reflux itself is also important, so persistent or frequent symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional.
To help protect your teeth:
- Rinse your mouth with water after reflux reaches your mouth
- Avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes after an acid exposure
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Chew up and swallow over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums or Gaviscon, to neutralize the acid
- Limit additional exposure to acidic drinks and foods
- Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol to encourage saliva flow when appropriate
- Keep up with regular dental exams so changes can be monitored
- Consult your Primary Care Physician or Medical Doctor for options to treat the source of acid reflux
Brushing right after acid exposure can wear away softened enamel. Rinse with water first and give your saliva time to neutralize the acid.
How to Fix Enamel Erosion
Enamel that has already been physically worn away cannot grow back. Treatment therefore depends on how much tooth structure has been lost and whether the erosion is still progressing.
Early changes may not require restorative dental treatment. Fluoride and hydroxyapatite may help strengthen the remaining tooth surface, while controlling the source of acid can help limit additional erosion.
If enamel erosion has caused significant loss of tooth structure, restorative treatment may be needed to rebuild and protect the affected teeth. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, treatment may include composite bonding, composite fillings, veneers or dental crowns.
A dental exam can help determine how much tooth structure has been lost and which treatment, if any, is appropriate.
FAQs
Can a dentist tell if you have acid reflux?
A dentist may notice a pattern of enamel erosion that suggests your teeth are being exposed to stomach acid. However, a dentist cannot diagnose acid reflux from your teeth alone and may recommend discussing the findings with your physician.
How long does it take acid reflux to damage teeth?
There is no set amount of time. Enamel erosion develops with repeated acid exposure, so how quickly damage occurs depends on factors such as how often acid reaches the mouth, how long the reflux continues, and how well saliva helps neutralize the acid.
Can silent acid reflux damage your teeth?
Yes. Silent reflux can bring stomach contents into the throat and mouth without causing typical symptoms such as heartburn. If acid repeatedly reaches the teeth, it can contribute to enamel erosion.
What toothpaste is best for acid reflux?
Choose a toothpaste that helps strengthen and remineralize enamel. Fluoride toothpaste is commonly recommended for people at risk of enamel erosion, and your dentist may recommend additional products based on the amount of erosion and your individual cavity risk.
Protect Your Teeth From Further Enamel Loss
Once enamel has been worn away, the goal is to prevent further erosion and protect the tooth structure that remains. If you have acid reflux, regular dental exams can help us identify early changes, monitor areas of wear, and recommend ways to strengthen and protect your teeth.
If you have noticed increased sensitivity, thinning enamel, or changes in the shape of your teeth, schedule a dental exam with Dr. Baughman. Call (970) 515-3550 to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO.
