Dakota Dental Warns of Tooth Damage Caused by Acid Reflux

April 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella, are helping make the community aware of the dental health risks associated with chronic acid reflux.

Prompted by the increasing number of individuals affected by acid reflux – more than 60 million American adults experiencing symptoms monthly and 25 million suffering from daily heartburn and severe refluxes, the Dakota Dental Clinic is encouraging individuals to proactively address gastroesophageal reflux to protect both their physical and oral health.

Dakota Dental is highlighting a recent study noted within the Journal of the American Dental Association, indicating that tooth wear and erosion within patients suffering with gastroesophageal reflux disease is significantly greater than in patients not experiencing chronic acid reflux.

“Acid reflux allows stomach content to flow back up into the esophagus,” said Dr. Shelley Wakefield. “Over time, this highly acidic substance can erode tooth enamel, exposing the sensitive inner dentin layer of the tooth leading to serious complications to an individual’s overall physical and dental health.”

Dakota Dental Family Dentistry advises individuals to be aware of dental symptoms that may include painful, darkening, sharp, thinning or shortened teeth as well as heightened sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and beverages.

Those experiencing acid reflux symptoms should consult their medical physician for treatment. Dakota Dental Family Dentistry provides specialized dental services for those suffering from chronic acid reflux such as fluoride treatments and custom-fitted mouth guards to protect teeth while sleeping. The Dakota Dental Clinic also suggests that acid reflux sufferers use a soft toothbrush and low-abrasion toothpaste.

If acid reflux damage to teeth is apparent, Dakota Dental Family Dentistry can perform restorative dental procedures including dental crowns and veneers to repair and protect an individual’s bite and dental health as well as cosmetic dentistry to improve appearance.

Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella, serve the southern Minneapolis/Saint Paul suburbs through Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry. Located in the Pennock Professional Building in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Dakota Dental Center provides comprehensive dental work including, but not limited to, preventative dental services, restorative dental procedures, dental implants, periodontal disease treatment, dentistry for kids, low anxiety dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and dental emergency services.