Hydrochloric acid is produced by the stomach after each meal. This aids in the digestion of food. The stomach itself secretes large amounts of protective mucus that helps in resisting the corrosive nature of hydrochloric acid. The cells that line the esophagus do not share this resistant feature.
Once an individual understands that decay in a tooth is the result of demineralization and that demineralization is caused by an acidic environment in the mouth, it is not a huge leap to also understand that acid reflux can lead to dental enamel erosion. The same acid that can damage the teeth can also damage the esophagus.
THE ESOPHAGUS
The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that is 18-26 centimeters long. It allows food to be transported from the mouth to the stomach. When the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of a hydrochloric acid back up from the stomach, it is labeled as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The esophagus lies just behind the heart, thus the term heartburn was created to describe the sensation of burning chest pain during episodes of GERD.
HEARTBURN
Thirty six percent of otherwise healthy Americans suffer from heartburn at least one time per month. Seven percent suffer at least one time per day. The incidence increases markedly after the age of 40. GERD can also affect children and infants.
Hydrochloric acid is produced by the stomach after each meal. This aids in the digestion of food. The stomach itself secretes large amounts of protective mucus that helps in resisting the corrosive nature of hydrochloric acid. The cells that line the esophagus do not share this resistant feature.
A ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter prevents the backing up (reflux) of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. This sphincter lies at the esophagogastric junction. It is designed to relax during swallowing to allow food to pass through the esophagus into the stomach. It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction. With GERD the sphincter relaxes between swallows. This allows stomach contents and corrosive acid to pass into the esophagus and damage the lining of the esophagus.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Some factors that weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter are:
the use of alcohol or cigarettes; obesity; slouching posture; some medications; fatty and fried foods; chocolate; garlic; onions; caffeine; citrus; tomatoes; spicy foods; mint; eating large meals; eating just before bedtime; hiatal hernia; pregnancy; diabetes; and rapid weight gain.
With the discomfort that GERD produces it would be easy to focus on the gastroesophageal area and to forget that this condition could also be affecting your teeth.
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