Can Heartburn Cause Tooth Pain

What Is Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes harm to the lining of the small intestine once foods containing gluten are consumed. Gluten is a type of protein thats found in several grains. Once protein damages the intestinal lining, its tough for the body to absorb nutrients. Besides abdominal pain and bloating, celiac disease sufferers might experience symptoms such as severe skin rash, iron deficiency, diarrhea, weight loss, seizures, muscle cramps, joint pain, and mouth ulcers.

Blood tests are able to detect the presence of certain antibodies in individuals with celiac disease, as well as low iron levels. Your doctor may collect a stool sample to search for fat within the stool, since celiac sufferers absorb fats from food less effectively. Or, he/she may prefer to take a biopsy of the intestine to examine the for tissue harm. Once the patient switches to a gluten-free diet, full restoration of the intestinal lining is possible.

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How To Protect Teeth From Acid Reflux

April 28, 2021 by Dr. Timothy Hoover

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is an incredibly common problem associated with the digestion process. So why in the world is your dentist in Hagerstownwriting about something thats typically seen as a stomach problem? The truth is, acid reflux can wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk for decay.

What Is GERD?

Acid reflux is that uncomfortable burning sensation that some people experience after eating. Usually, its described as chest pain or heartburn. But whats really happening is stomach acid is moving up into the esophagus, creating that burning sensation. When this happens periodically, its known as gastroesophageal reflux . If it occurs more than twice a week over the course of several weeks it may be a sign of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

How Does Acid Reflux Affect Teeth

Weve already noted that acid reflux can wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay, but there are other ways acid reflux can affect your teeth. As your dentist in Hagerstown knows, acid is one of the worst things for teeth and can lead to a whole host of dental problems including bad breath and tooth sensitivity. In fact, the sensitivity can be so bad that it can keep people from brushing their teeth. However, its crucial that those with acid reflux brush twice a day. Using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce discomfort.

Do Your Symptoms Appear After Eating

If you have overindulged or eaten greasy or spicy foods, you may experience a scorching feeling in your chest. This could be heartburn, which is a symptom of acid reflux and is caused by GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

30%-40% of patients presenting to ER with chest pain have chest pain due to acid reflux, or GERD, says Caitlin Houghton, MD, a general surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC and assistant professor of clinical surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Although, heartburn can be due to heart problems and should be checked by an ER or local doctor, she adds.

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Acid Reflux And Stomach Bloating

You are probably familiar with the gassy, abdominal pain referred to as bloating. You may even know that acid reflux is a result of some of the acidic contents of the stomach leaking back up into the esophagus, where it burns or irritates the lining. But you may be unaware that bloating and acid reflux are sometimes linked to each other. Bloating can sometimes contribute to and result in acid reflux.

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Surprising Reasons Why You Could Be Experiencing Dental Pain

By Fairview Dental Group

If you have a toothache, you might immediately assume a cavity is causing you problems. Perhaps you might think your dental pain is a result of gum issues or a recent teeth-whitening treatment. But maybe it isnt any of these common oral health issues at all! Here are some shocking reasons why you could be suffering from a toothache.

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How Can Your Dentist Tell If You Have Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, is caused when your esophageal sphincter, which separates your stomach from your esophagus, lets acid seep out of the stomach. This acid often causes the symptoms of heartburn, but not always. Sometimes the first indication that you may have GERD or silent reflux is the erosion of the enamel on your molars or on the backside of teeth as stomach acid eats away at the enamel.

Eating As The Only Cause

Dr. Mai adds, Another fact to be aware of is that so-called nutcracker esophagus or diffuse esophageal spasm can cause intense chest pain, usually associated with acid reflux after meals and not typically during exercise.

Dr. Maiis well-versed in the endoscopic treatment of GERD. LifeBridge Health provides the Baltimore community and beyond with a wide array of choices in health care services.

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. Shes also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.

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How To Manage Acid Reflux To Reduce Damage To The Smile

Patients who have acid reflux often find that they begin to notice the triggers in their diet that can make it worse. Avoiding these foods is highly recommended, as well as rinsing the mouth with water after episodes. Patients are also encouraged to work with their primary care physician to obtain medication that is used to manage the condition and reduce the risk of damage to a patients smile.

Have Gerd You Might Be Developing Tmj

We know that the body is a complex web of interrelated functions. When you have a problem with one system, it can lead to problems elsewhere. Often, we talk about this in terms of how poor oral health can negatively impact your heart, your brain, and other systems.

However, sometimes it goes the other way: problems elsewhere in your body can be bad for your mouth. Thats what one new study has revealed, how gastroesophageal reflux disease can elevate your risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorders . According to the study, people with GERD are almost three times more likely to develop TMJ, which can be very bad news for your teeth.

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Reducing The Causes Of Low Stomach Acid And Bacterial Overgrowth

H.pylori. is a common bacterial overgrowth that can suppress the production of stomach acid. Unfortunately, this creates a vicious were both low stomach acid and bacterial overgrowth exacerbating each other into a downward spiral of digestive dysfunction.

Although more testing needs to be done a low-carb diet has in two studies proved very effective at not only reducing the symptoms of GERD but in some cases eliminated them completely.

It isnt necessary to stay on a low-carb diet permanently. As soon as the symptoms disappear and normal digestive function returns a low to medium low-carb diet should be enough to prevent the symptoms coming back.

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Emerging Or Impacted Teeth

A tooth that is still emerging, or cant emerge properly due to lack of space , can cause pain. This can apply to:

• Children, when their adult teeth start to emerge
• Adults, due to emerging or impacted wisdom teeth

Other Symptoms

Emerging teeth may cause a feeling of pressure. In the case of impacted wisdom teeth, you may experience swelling or have trouble opening your mouth wide.

Treatment

Pain from emerging teeth is manageable, but ultimately the teeth must erupt and fill into their natural space in the mouth.

Wisdom teeth that are impacted or fail to emerge fully may be removed. This is usually done when people are younger because increasing age can make the surgery and recovery difficult.6, 7

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Ways To Keep Acid Reflux From Damaging Your Teeth

Acid reflux is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone, but did you know it can silently damage your teeth in the process? First off, acid reflux is when acid produced by the stomach moves up into the esophagus, causing chest pain known as heartburn. That same acid can wear away the enamel on your teeth. Enamel, the strongest substance in your body, is a hard outer layer that protects the teeth from extreme temperatures, acids, and chemicals.

However, while strong, this shell can erode over time, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay. Your first clue may be that hot or cold foods, drinks, and sweets now bother your teeth when they never did before. Thats because those substances are getting in via holes in your enamel and aggravating the nerves within.

Jaw Pain Can Have Many Causes Including Cancer But Gerd Or Acid Reflux As Well As Clogged Heart Arteries Can Cause Pain In The Jaw

If youre experiencing pain in the jaw, you need to determine if its associated with any particular activities.

Does it hurt only when you chew or yawn?

How about only when you physically exert yourself which would suggest an atypical symptom of blocked heart arteries?

Maybe it occurs within a certain period after eating large meals.

Or maybe it just happens for no known reason.

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How Is Gerd Diagnosed

Usually your provider can tell if you have simple acid reflux by talking with you about your symptoms and medical history. You and your provider can talk about controlling your symptoms through diet and medications.

If these strategies dont help, your provider may ask you to get tested for GERD. Tests for GERD include:

Tmd And Gerd Spells Pain

The pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be a lot to manage. Jaw pain thats sometimes intense, head and neck pain, sometimes unexplained ear pain and other uncomfortable symptoms can be hard to live with. But, what about adding GERD on top of it all? A recent study conducted between the Dental College of Georgia in Augusta and the Fourth Military Medical University in Xiang, China has shown that discovered that people with TMD have a great risk of developing GERD than their peers living without TMD. Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas, helps manage patients living with the uncomfortable symptoms and side effects of TMD.

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Heartburn Or Heart Attack How To Tell The Difference

Chest pain can be scary. And its not always easy to tell the difference between heartburn and a heart attack especially since heartburn-like symptoms can be from a heart attack. Columbus Batiste, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief of cardiology at Kaiser Permanentes Riverside and Moreno Valley Medical Centers in Southern California, breaks down the symptoms and details the importance of knowing if youre at risk for heart disease.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is discomfort or pain that occurs when food and stomach acid back up into the esophagus the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach.

Common indicators of heartburn include:

• A burning sensation in the chest or stomach
• Foul breath and a sour, acidic, or metallic taste in the mouth
• Increased gas or belching
• Coughing, especially when lying down
• Symptoms start after eating or lying down

You should be able to relieve your symptoms by taking an antacid, like Tums or Rolaids, or by drinking a glass of water with a spoonful of baking soda stirred in it. If heartburn is keeping you from sleeping, propping yourself up in bed can help.

Contact your doctor for advice if an antacid doesnt temporarily ease your symptoms, this is the first time youve had heartburn, or your symptoms have changed.

Heart attack signs can vary greatly

• Back discomfort

Silent heart attacks are common

Another cause of chest pain

Risk factors for heart disease

Can Acid Reflux Lead To Diarrhea

When someone has acid reflux, its not uncommon for IBS to happen at the same time. Diarrhea isnt a direct symptom of acid reflux, but its a symptom of IBS. If youre experiencing both IBS and acid reflux simultaneously, its likely to lead to diarrhea.

The increased amount of stomach acid produced that triggers acid reflux can cause ulcers. The ulcers can occur in the stomach and intestine, which can cause diarrhea. If youre experiencing diarrhea along with acid reflux, dietary changes can help you eliminate both.

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What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to return or flow back. With Gastroesophageal Reflux disease , your lower esophageal sphincter may not function normally, allowing your stomachs contents to flow into the esophagus.

Many people can get relief from GERD through changes in diet and lifestyle. However, some people may need medication or surgery. Foods known to trigger GERD include chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, or alcoholic beverages. Heartburn is the most typical symptom of GERD and feels like burning chest pain moving up to the throat. Some patients say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth, leaving a bitter or acidic taste.

Keep Your Acid Reflux Under Control

This starts with a visit to your gastroenterology specialist. Your doctor can advise you on ways to control your acid reflux so the acid cant get to your teeth in the first place. You may be asked to lose weight, avoid acidic foods, eat smaller meals, sleep propped up, refrain from lying down right after eating, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.

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Do You Have Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR is a type of esophageal reflux that doesnt involve the tell-tale sign of GERD: heartburn. As a result, patients have a difficult time understanding the nature of their symptoms. In most cases, patients with LPR dont even know they have reflux, which is why the disorder is called silent reflux.

LPR is caused by the same mechanism that triggers GERD. When the lower esophageal sphincter loosens, stomach contents travel back up the esophagus. In this case, stomach acids travel further up the pharynx, reaching the larynx and nasal pathways. As a result, a patient with LPR experiences symptoms like:

• Chronic cough
• Difficult swallowing feeling of persistent lump in the throat
• Post-nasal drip

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How Can You Prevent Acid Reflux From Eroding Your Teeth

The based way to prevent acid reflux from damaging your teeth is to get the disorder under control. As you mentioned, dietary changes can help. Avoiding spicy and acidic foods and drinks can help calm your stomach. In the article, Erosion Stomach Upset and Your Teeth, the American Dental Association also recommends these precautions:

• Avoid eating food at least three hours before bedtime
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production
• See your dentist regularly to help protect your teeth

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Wait Before You Brush And Floss

After a meal or beverage, consider waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing and flossing your teeth. Acidic substances can soften the enamel, meaning that immediate brushing and flossing can actually wear away tooth structure. Drink a glass of water and wait 30 minutes to ensure the effects of oral acidity have passed.

How Acid Reflux Can Harm Your Teeth

If you are one of the 7 million people in America that suffer from severe acid reflux from chronic heartburn, you are probably all too familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms. However, did you know that acid reflux could seriously affect your teeth? Dr. Kenneth Ingber explains the reasons behind this startling discovery.

People who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, are at a high risk of tooth wear and erosion . GERD causes stomach acid to leak into the esophagus and work its way up to the mouth, where it will wear down the tooth enamel and cause serious damage. Ultimately, GERD can lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth.

Patients often are not aware of the damage that reflux-induced erosion has caused to their teeth until it has reached an advanced stage of destruction, said Dr. David Lazarchik, who studied acid reflux-induced erosion and published his findings in the Academy of General Dentistrys clinical peer-reviewed journal.

The acidity of a substance is measured by the power of hydrogen on a scale of 0 to 14. A low pH level indicates more acid, and a high pH level indicates less acid. According to Dr. Lazarchik, dental enamel begins to erode at a pH of 5.5. Stomach acid has a very low pH of 2.0, making it extremely harmful to the teeth.

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How Is Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosed

Its time to see your doctor if you have acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week, or if your dentist at Dental Health and Wellness Boston see changes in your tooth enamel indicative of acid reflux . Your physician will be contacted and asked to consider ordering tests to confirm a diagnosis and check for other problems. You may need one or more tests such as these:

• Barium swallow can check for ulcers or a narrowing of the esophagus. You first swallow a solution to help structures show up on an X-ray.
• Esophageal manometry can check the function of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter.
• pH monitoring can check for acid in your esophagus. The doctor inserts a device into your esophagus and leaves it in place for one to two days to measure the amount of acid in your esophagus.
• Endoscopy can check for problems in your esophagus or stomach. This test involves inserting a long, flexible, lighted tube down your throat. First, the doctor will spray the back of your throat with anesthetic and give you a sedative to make you more comfortable.
• A biopsy may be taken during endoscopy to check samples of tissue under a microscope for infection or abnormalities.