My classmate and I chose to research GERD for our wellness fair table clinic. We wanted to do something that we had never heard of in hopes of being able to reach those that had not heard of it as well and how it can affect the oral cavity. We had to be able to explain what we learned in everyday language for the listener. Our first experience with this was at our first GNYDM in 2018. We visited several students and their boards filled with information that included oral health, things that could affect your oral health and lack of oral health. Greater New York Dental Meetings is an exhibit that cater to dental health professionals that are interested in dental technology, essays, hands on workshops, seminars and many fields of knowledge related to the dental world.
What is GERD?
Defined as symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and beyond. It’s one of the most commonly encountered conditions by physicians and gastroenterologist.
What are GERD Symptoms?
Symptoms are more common after meals and can include: Heartburn, Bloating, Nausea, acid Regurgitation, Belching, Epigastric pain, Xerostomia (dry mouth), Dental erosion.
Can Gerd lead to serious conditions?
A small % can develop Barrett’s esophagus a form of cancer affecting the esophagus. Some risk factors include:
- Have had heartburn for some time
- Longstanding regurgitation
- Age
- Obesity
- Mostly men
What does GERD feel like?
- Burning pain in chest
- Burn feeling in throat
- Trouble swallowing
- Dry mouth
Can Medicines help GERD?
GERD typically requires long care management in the form of medical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases surgical procedures. Medications can include antacids, histamine receptor antagonist, and proton pump inhibitors.
Avoid GERD by
- Avoiding night time meals
- Sleep with you head elevated
- Modify diet: trigger foods can be chocolates, alcohols, and caffiene
GERD in dental hygiene
The prevalence and incidence of tooth erosion are increased because acids remove the protection of the pellicle. Repeated exposure of acids demineralize the teeth. Xerostomia enhance dental bacteria, plaque, and can lead to dental decay or cavities.
Conclusion
GERD is an increasingly common and potentially serious condition. Dental Hygienist should be aware of GERD symptoms and signs because we might be the first person to observe and diagnose the possibility of GERD in tooth erosion.
References
Badillo, Raul, and Dawn Francis. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.” World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 6 Aug. 2014,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4133436/.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940.Romano, Claudio, and Sabrina Cardile.
“Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Oral Manifestations.” Italian Journal of Pediatrics, BioMed Central, 11 Aug. 2014
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4132436/.Speecher, Stuart J. “Barrett’s Esophagus | NEJM.” New England Journal of Medicine, 14 Mar. 2002
