top of page

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Risks to the dental patient

Oral Signs of GERD

Treatment 

References

A Clinicopathologic Study of Oral Changes in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastritis, and Ulcerative Colitis.

Vinesh E, Masthan K, Kumar MS, Jeyapriya SM, Babu A, Thinakaran M.

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2016 Nov 1;17(11):943-947

​

http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/wdj/print/volume-5/issue-2/special-section/continuing-education/understanding-acid-reflux-and-its-dental-manifestations.html

  • Erosion associated with GERD has  a different appearance than from erosion associated with lemon sucking

  • It is more similar to erosion related to vomiting, except the buccal and occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth are most often involved.

Introduction

​Factors that contribute to GERD
  

  • Certain foods and beverages - chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee or alcoholic beverages

  • Obesity

  • Cigarette smoking relaxes the LES

  • Pregnancy

  • Hiatal hernia may weaken the LES

  • Medications

​

  • Diet and lifestyle changes

  • Medications

    • Antacids​

    • H2 blockers inhibit acid secretion in the stomach (example:  cimetidine/Tagamet)

    • Proton pump inhibitors inhibit an enzyme necessary for acid secretion (example: omeprazole/Prilosec)

  • Surgery​

  • Esophageal cancer

  • Tooth erosion

  • Periodontal problems

  • Increase in symptoms when in the dental chair due to positioning

Medical Management

  • Treatment of GERD related erosion is similar to that of other types of erosion and must include treatment of GERD as well.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach.  GERD occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the stomach's contents to flow up into the esophagus. 

Symptoms

  • Heartburn - burning chest pain​

  • Regurgitation of a sour or bitter acid into the throat or mouth

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Cough

  • Hoarseness

  • Bad breath

  • Sinus infections

  • Symptoms can be worse at night - patients may need to sleep with back elevated

bottom of page