Dental Trends of the Future: Leaving the Past Behind

Acid reflux can cause unimaginable pain in so many ways. One frustrating side effect of acid reflux is what it can do to your teeth. Over time, the acid will gradually wear down the enamel on the teeth, causing them to become misshapen and weak. This can lead to breakage, pain, and increases the likelihood for decay. The following are some ways you can help prevent as much damage to your teeth as possible:

Keep Your Mouth Clear of Acid

After having a case of acid reflux, you need to get it out of your mouth as quickly as possible. If you are not at home where you have access to your toothbrush or mouthwash, you can swish water around in your mouth for a few minutes. Spit it out and repeat if necessary. This will keep the acid from sitting on your teeth, preventing them from being worn down.

Consider Orthodontia

If you have a serious problem to the point that your teeth are wearing down at a quick rate, you may want to consider orthodontia to preserve the overall health of your mouth. You can have your teeth fixed in a variety of ways. One thing to do is have your molars crowned. These teeth are the most affected because of acid rising from the back of the throat. This is especially necessary if you experience pain in these teeth.

You can also get veneers on your front teeth if they become affected by acid. Veneers are the fastest way to get new teeth. They are an investment, but you will not have to worry about misshapen teeth due to acid.

Get to the Root of the Problem

The best way to prevent tooth damage from acid reflux is to have your condition treated. Your doctor is the best person to tell you what you can do to decrease the amount of acid reflux episodes. Many times, you will require a prescription medication if you have a severe case. For milder cases, you can take some steps to prevent the reflux. Watch what you eat, as many foods and some drinks can exacerbate acid reflux. Tomatoes, carbonated beverages, and citrus are some of the biggest agitators of reflux. You can also take an acid reducer sold over the counter to help calm the reflux.

Acid reflux is no joke, and it is best to be seen by your doctor and family dentist. It can cause some serious damage to your entire body, not just your teeth.