Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Dental Erosion

Gastroesophagial Reflux Disease as a Potential Contributor to Dental Erosions and Oral Tissue Alterations

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dental erosion and the alterations in oral tissues. This was a case-control study. The GERD group consisted of 50 individuals with endoscopic esophagitis who had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and the control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. The prevalence of teeth wear and caries was evaluated using the Smith and Knight tooth wear index (TWI) and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), respectively. Inflammatory mouth sensitivity, tongue sensitivity, nonspecific itching and burning, halitosis, dry mouth, teeth sensitivity, and the erythema of the soft and hard palatal mucosa and uvula were also evaluated. Stimulated saliva samples were collected, and the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity values were measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The patient group included with at least one year of reflux symptoms, endoscopic esophagitis, no systemic disease other than reflux, no medication use except anti-reflux drugs, no habit of ruminating and vomiting, and no habit of bruxism.
• The control group included without any systemic disorder, no habit of ruminant and vomiting, no habit of bruxism, and no drug use.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The volunteers who were vegetarian, consumed citrus and vinegar frequently, and consumed more than ½ liter of acidic beverages per day were not included in the study. Those who never brush their teeth and were using battery/rechargeable and scrub brush and abrasive toothpaste were not included in the study, either.