Anyone suffering from acid reflux knows it is an uncomfortable if not painful ailment to deal with. Unfortunately, the problem can go beyond the discomfort in your chest and throat. As a leading dentist in Fishers, IN, Dr. Jeremy Jones has seen many cases of tooth erosion and decay caused by regurgitated stomach acid. If you are going to combat these problems, we believe it is important that you understand the relationship between acid reflux and deteriorating dental health. Causes  There are many reasons why people might suffer from acid reflux. The issue can be caused by major and minor culprits, including:

• Foods with high fat content
• Various medications
• Medical situations such as obesity or pregnancy

Some of these problems are correctable while others are not. To maintain your dental health and keep your teeth healthy, you need to determine what might be causing your reflux. Dental Enamel Erosion  Since even acidic foods can cause enamel damage, it is no wonder that stomach acids have the potential to be erosive. A lower pH in your mouth causes the dental enamel in your teeth to become more soluble and thus more susceptible to deterioration. This is why you should not eat acidic foods before going to bed, and why acid reflux can be so detrimental to your dental health. In addition, anytime you suffer a bout of acid reflux, you should rinse your mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash and/or brush your teeth. Solutions and Questions  The way to solve the problem of dental erosion is to avoid it in the first place. By limiting your intake of foods that are high in acid, you can greatly reduce the potential for acidic regurgitation. Dr. Jones and his team in Fishers, IN can help treat your teeth for a variety of issues, but enamel erosion is something you need to fight outside the dentist office. If you have more questions about avoiding and combating acid reflux, please call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeremy Jones. We are happy to talk to you about the ways in which you can improve your dental and overall health.