Oral Health & Reflux: Preventing Tooth Erosion and Bad Breath
If you suffer from acid reflux or GERD, you might already know how it affects your esophagus and digestion—but did you know it can take a toll on your smile too? At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we’re committed to helping you understand the lesser-known ways reflux can harm your oral health—and how to stop it.
How Reflux Affects Your Teeth and Breath
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) allows stomach acid to move back up the esophagus, sometimes even reaching the mouth. This acidic exposure can gradually erode dental enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, leading to:
Tooth erosion and increased sensitivity
Cavities due to weakened enamel
Halitosis (bad breath) from acid and dry mouth
Studies show that up to 78% of GERD patients experience dental erosion, and the severity of enamel loss often correlates with the intensity of reflux symptoms (Roesch-Ramos et al., 2014). Even children with GERD are vulnerable, with research noting accelerated enamel loss and increased dental issues in pediatric patients (Alamoudi et al., 2025).
What You Can Do to Protect Your Oral Health
Manage GERD: Follow your reflux treatment plan, which may include dietary changes, weight management, and medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Keeping acid in the stomach is key to protecting your mouth.
Rinse, Don’t Brush Immediately: After an acid reflux episode, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Instead, rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash to neutralize acid without damaging softened enamel.
Hydrate Often: Saliva helps buffer acid, so stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or alcohol that can worsen dry mouth.
Use Protective Dental Products: Your dentist might recommend fluoride treatments or remineralizing agents like calcium phosphate pastes to help rebuild enamel.
Watch for Symptoms: If you notice increased sensitivity, persistent bad breath, or yellowing teeth, ask your dentist if acid erosion could be the cause.
Why It Matters
Reflux-related tooth damage is irreversible without restorative dental work. Preventing it early not only saves your smile but also reduces costly dental treatments. At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, our integrated approach helps patients protect their overall health—including their oral wellness.
Works Cited:
Roesch-Ramos, L., Roesch-Dietlen, F., Remes-Troche, J., Romero-Sierra, G., Mata-Tovar, C. J., Azamar-Jácome, A. A., & Barranca-Enríquez, A. (2014). Dental erosion, an extraesophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas, 106(2), 92–97. Link
Alamoudi, R., Rashdi, M. M., Alrashidi, A. D., Alshammari, F. Y., Alsalem, F. H., Siam, M. S., & Alshubrami, R. H. (2025). Clinical Approaches to Treating Dental Erosion in Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Journal of Healthcare Sciences. Link