Drs. Bahram,Richman and Dieu of Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are greatly experienced in extracting and replacing damaged teeth, but that doesn’t mean we don’t value preventive care. We hope that most people by now are aware of how plaque and smoking contribute to dental decay and periodontal disease, but there’s another major risk factor to adults’ oral health: acid reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a painful condition that is caused by stomach acid escaping upwards into the esophagus and mouth. Just as it causes “heartburn” by corroding the lining of the esophagus, it also causes toothaches by eroding tooth enamel and irritating gum tissue. The enamel erosion is cosmetically unpleasing because it allows the greyish-yellow coloring of the teeth’s inner layer to shine through, but it can also create cracks which put a patient at risk of developing an infection.
Root canals can treat the damage should it get that far and crowns can be replaced with prosthetics. But to prevent acid reflux, the patient will probably have to make some lifestyle changes. These include cutting back on alcohol, fatty and acidic foods and drinks (like tomato juice), caffeine, and chocolate, keeping better posture, and avoiding large meals before bed.
Visit Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.
No comments:
Post a Comment