Acid Reflux and Teeth

Preventive dental care usually focuses on oral hygiene, but tooth decay isn’t the only threat to tooth structure. At Elite Dental Arts in Midtown, we want our patients to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and diet that will protect their teeth from acid reflux.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) refers to chronic, recurring acid reflux. Commonly but inaccurately known as heartburn, acid reflux happens when the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus opens at the wrong time. Stomach acid travels upward, burning the esophagus as it goes, and it sometimes gets as far as the oral cavity. When that happens, it erodes enamel, beginning with the inward-facing sides of the upper back teeth. As enamel loses minerals, it takes on a chalky appearance and the teeth become more sensitive.

Acid reflux can have many causes, but there are steps patients can take to prevent it. Those include not smoking, avoiding large meals before lying down, and avoiding large quantities of food such as red meat, spices, citric juice, tomatoes, garlic, and onions, as well as avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Patients should also take care that they eat in an upright posture and that they drink plenty of fluids, since adequate saliva production is one of the body’s best defenses against acid reflux.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity can be mild at first, but it can often develop into worsened pain if not taken care of. Here at Elite Dental Arts in New York, NY, we want our patients to know some common reasons for tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity can occur for many reasons. Whatever the case, the sensitivity is from the nerve endings within a tooth being exposed. Sensitivity is often felt with cold food or drinks, hot food or drinks, air exposure, sweetness, or sourness. Sticky foods can also irritate a sensitive tooth.

Some of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity include cavities, worn down enamel and receded gums. Keep these tips in mind to avoid creating these conditions:

• Make sure to wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything but water to brush your teeth. The acid in food and drinks can actually soften our enamel and when we brush, it erodes our enamel.


• Try to stay away from very acidic foods like lollipops, soda pop, and sour candy.


• Brushing too harshly can wear down enamel and irritate gums, so remember that only a light touch is needed to clean teeth. In addition, try using a sensitivity toothpaste to help relieve sensitivity.

If you suspect you have a cavity or a tooth infection, be sure to see us as soon as possible. If you are experiencing sensitivity of any kind, schedule an appointment with us to ensure it is nothing serious. We can then help you determine the cause. To schedule an appointment in our New York, NY office, call Elite Dental Arts at (212) 681-0939 or visit our website, www.elitedentalarts.com.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 681-0939
drmobilia@EliteDentalArts.com
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