Dental Problems In Children With Acid Reflux



If your child has dental problems then acid reflux could be the culprit. When experiencing acid reflux, stomach acid travels through the esophagus and out of the mouth. This exposes your child's teeth to the stomach acid.

Now if this happens every other blue moon, there is no real need to be concerned. If this happens on a more consistent basis, then the outer layer of the tooth can become damaged. The teeth in the far back of the mouth will be most affected and the inside surfaces close to the tongue.

There are three things that should concern you if your child has dental problems due to acid reflux:

  • Bad Breath - When your child coughs up or regurgitates stomach acid, the contents into the mouth may lead to bad breath.

  • Cavities - The dentist may notice a pattern of cavities, especially in the back of the mouth and inside surfaces of the teeth.

  • Tooth Enamel Erosion - When the protective layer of enamel is damaged, your teeth can become sensitive to foods, liquids and temperatures. This can make daily brushing and oral care pretty uncomfortable for your child.

If your child suffers with acid reflux it's always a good idea to search for a pediatric dentist, that can help you reduce any chances of dental problems. A pediatric dentist can help you in the following areas:

  • Develop appropriate tooth brushing techniques.
  • Select the best toothbrush for your child's age and size.
  • Provide you with some good advice on healthy eating to prevent cavities.

If you need help in finding a pediatric dentist for your child, you can visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at www.aapd.org There's a "Find a Pediatric Dentist" button at the homepage right under the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry headline.

It's usually recommended that a child visits the dentist at least every 6 months. However, a child with acid reflux should probably see a dentist more often. Your pediatrician, or your pediatric gastro dr. can provide you with some good tips on healthy eating as well as different ways to keep your child's teeth healthy.



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