Now that the holiday season is in full swing, we at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want to offer our patients some guidance for avoiding toothaches this winter. While many people rightly think of the sugary treats available this time of year as a threat to oral health, there is another underappreciated source of toothaches: acid reflux. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, this condition is influenced by what patients eat and drink.
Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter that keeps stomach acid out of the rest of the body opens, allowing the acid to escape upward. This process can sometimes be recognized by the burning pain it causes in the chest; less commonly, it can cause respiratory distress. When acid reaches the mouth, it burns the inward-facing sides of teeth, eroding their enamel and making them more sensitive.
The mouth has its own defense against acid reflux in the form of saliva, which helps regulate its pH level. Unfortunately, there are a number of medications and other conditions which cause dry mouth. Patients can stimulate more saliva production by sucking on xylitol-flavored candy (sugary candy will make dry mouth worse and can lead to tooth decay). To reduce their risk of acid reflux developing in the first place, patients should avoid overconsumption of alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, spicy food, tomato sauce, and mint flavoring. It’s also better to avoid eating in the hours before bedtime and to eat only while in an upright posture.
Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania opperate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.
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