The importance of gastroesophageal reflux disease in dentistry

Approximately one third of the population in industrialized countries has occasional or continuous upper gastrointestinal disorders. One such condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may be evidenced by dental erosion. Dentists are often the first health care professionals to diagnose dental erosion in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus, and GERD is defined as symptoms or complications of GER. Symptoms such as belching, unexplained sour taste and heartburn usually alert the patient to the condition. It is known that the acid regurgitated from the stomach into the mouth will erode teeth. Dental erosion is an irreversible process characterized by mineral loss unrelated to microbial involvement. Treatment of dental erosion resulting from GERD involves a multidisciplinary approach among family physician, dentist, prosthodontist, orthodontist and gastroenterologist. When possible, dental erosion should be treated with minimal intervention, and such treatment should include control of microflora, remineralization, adhesive restorations and use of biomimetic materials. © 2006 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.