Acid Reflux and Teeth: How GERD Damages Your Smile (And How to Protect It)
If you suffer from acid reflux (GERD), you probably know about the heartburn and throat irritation—but did you know it can also destroy your teeth? Stomach acid silently erodes enamel, leading to sensitivity, discoloration, and even cavities.
In this post, you’ll learn:
✅ How acid reflux damages teeth (the scary science)
✅ 6 warning signs your teeth are being affected
✅ Dentist-approved protection tips
✅ Best toothpaste & rinses for acid erosion
How Acid Reflux Ruins Teeth
When stomach acid flows into your mouth (even in small amounts), it demineralizes tooth enamel—the hardest substance in your body. Over time, this leads to:
🔴 Erosion – Acid dissolves enamel, making teeth thinner and weaker
🔴 Yellowing – As enamel wears, the darker dentin layer shows through
🔴 Sensitivity – Hot/cold foods cause sharp pain as nerves get exposed
🔴 Chipping & Cracking – Weakened teeth break more easily
🔴 Cavities – Less enamel = easier for bacteria to attack
Worst Offenders:
- Nighttime reflux (acid sits on teeth for hours)
- Silent reflux (LPR) (no heartburn, but acid still reaches mouth)
6 Signs Your Teeth Are Suffering from GERD
1️⃣ Translucent or “see-through” edges (especially front teeth)
2️⃣ Increased sensitivity to sweets, cold air, or brushing
3️⃣ Rounded teeth (loss of sharp biting edges)
4️⃣ Yellow or darkened teeth (enamel loss exposes dentin)
5️⃣ Cupping (small dents on chewing surfaces)
6️⃣ Frequent cavities despite good brushing
💡 Test at Home: Run your tongue over teeth. If they feel rough or uneven, acid may be wearing them down.
How to Protect Your Teeth from Acid Reflux
1. Rinse Immediately After Reflux Episodes
- DO: Swish with baking soda water (1 tsp in 1 cup water) to neutralize acid
- DON’T: Brush right after acid exposure (wait 30+ mins to avoid scrubbing softened enamel)
2. Use a Reflux-Friendly Toothpaste
Look for:
- High fluoride (like Prescription Prevident 5000)
- Hydroxyapatite (a natural enamel-rebuilding mineral, found in Boka toothpaste)
- Low abrasiveness (avoid whitening pastes—they’re too harsh)
3. Chew Sugar-Free Xylitol Gum
- Stimulates saliva (nature’s acid neutralizer)
- Reduces harmful bacteria
4. Sleep on Your Left Side
- Minimizes nighttime acid reaching your mouth
- Use a wedge pillow to keep acid down
5. Ask Your Dentist About
- Enamel-strengthening fluoride varnishes
- Custom night guards (if you grind teeth—common with GERD)
- Bonding or veneers for already-damaged teeth
Worst Foods for Reflux & Teeth
| Food/Drink | Why It’s Bad |
|---|---|
| Citrus fruits | High acid + erodes enamel |
| Soda | Acidic + feeds cavity bacteria |
| Coffee | Stains weakened teeth |
| Alcohol | Dries mouth (less saliva = more acid damage) |
| Tomato sauce | Double-whammy of acid + staining |
When to See a Dentist
🚨 Emergency signs:
- Extreme pain when breathing cold air
- Visible cracks or chips
- Gum recession (exposed roots hurt)
A dentist can spot early erosion before it’s visible to you!
Final Thoughts
Acid reflux doesn’t just burn your throat—it steals your enamel. If you have GERD:
- Rinse after reflux (don’t brush immediately!)
- Switch to fluoride/hydroxyapatite toothpaste
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for early detection
Have you noticed tooth damage from acid reflux? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear what’s helped you!
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