How to Prevent Tooth Erosion Caused by Acid Reflux

Have you ever had a burning feeling in your chest after eating food? That’s called acid reflux. It occurs when acid from your stomach sneaks up into your throat. 

In general, the food you eat travels down to the stomach, where acid helps break it down, absorb nutrients, and protect you from harmful bacteria. But when that same acid flows back up into the esophagus, it brings more than heartburn. 

Over time, the acid can travel all the way to your mouth, leading to a significant dental problem known as acid reflux tooth erosion.

This condition, clinically referred to as dental erosion due to acid reflux, is a silent but serious consequence of chronic acid reflux. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that acts as a valve, malfunctions, it allows stomach acid to escape. 

If you experience this regularly, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While digestive discomfort is well-known, the damage to your teeth often goes unnoticed until it has advanced.

In this comprehensive guide for 2025, we’re going to talk about how GERD can cause tooth erosion and review some ways in which you can protect your teeth against the harmful effects of acid reflux. 

How GERD, or Acid Reflux, Causes Tooth Damage

GERD, also called acid reflux, isn’t just about heartburn. It can quietly eat away at your teeth. When stomach acid flows back up into your mouth, it coats your teeth with a substance strong enough to digest food. Over time, that acid erodes enamel, the tough outer layer that protects your teeth. And here’s the problem: enamel doesn’t grow back.

The results often include:

• Sensitivity: hot coffee or cold water can suddenly sting.

• Yellowing: worn enamel lets yellow dentin show through.

• Chips and cracks: weakened teeth break more easily.

• Cavities: softened enamel makes decay faster.

Dental professionals are mostly aware of tooth erosion, but the public may not be,” said study lead author Dr. Daranee Tantbirojn, an associate professor in the department of restorative dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

• GERD (a common digestive disorder) is estimated to affect nearly 20% of adults in the United States each week. 

• A National Institutes of Health study by Kim Attanasi reports that patients with GERD are 2-4 times more likely than those without GERD to present with ETW (Erosive Tooth Wear). 

Alarmingly, even patients on acid-suppressing medication were not fully protected, highlighting that managing the reflux itself is just as important as managing the acid.

When to See a Dentist to Diagnose Acid Reflux Tooth Erosion?

You should visit your dentist regularly to maintain optimal oral health, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

However, given the higher incidence of tooth erosion with GERD, it’s important to see your dentist every six months. It is important because you may not be able to see the difference in your teeth, but your dentist can. Plus, the specialists may provide you with some tips on how to protect one of your most valuable assets. Dentists may recommend:

• Fluoride treatments or rinses.

• Specialized toothpaste to strengthen enamel.

• Lifestyle guidance to reduce reflux impact on oral health.

How to Prevent Acid Reflux Tooth Erosion?

There are several steps you can take to prevent acid reflux from inflicting further damage to your teeth. Below, we’ve listed our top tips that can help you battle against GERD and keep your teeth in great shape. 

Check what you eat

Some foods can increase reflux episodes, which means more exposure of your teeth to stomach acid. Reducing these triggers is an effective step. Key culprit foods include: 

• Fried and fast foods

• Spicy meals

• Fatty meats like bacon and sausage

• Tomato-based sauces and citrus fruits

• Carbonated drinks

• Chocolate and peppermin

Use a Straw While Drinking to Protect Your Teeth 

Sipping acidic or sugary drinks directly wears down your enamel over time. Therefore, it is important to use a straw while drinking to keep the liquid away from your teeth. This habit reduces the risk of erosion while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverages. 

Avoid brushing teeth right after eating acidic foods 

Brushing immediately after eating acidic foods may harm your enamel. If you do eat an acidic meal, it’s best to wait at least 30-60 minutes before brushing your teeth. Acid softens the enamel temporarily, and brushing during that time may scrape it away.

Use a toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride 

Fluoride can work wonders for your teeth. It’s a mineral that can rejuvenate weakened tooth enamel, slow down the decay of healthy enamel, and ultimately help to prevent tooth decay. 

Do you know about 63% of Americans have access to fluoridated water? So, if you suffer from GERD, consider purchasing a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride to minimize damage to your teeth that may occur as a result of your condition. This is your first line of defense against dental erosion due to acid reflux.

Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms

Reducing your acid reflux symptoms can benefit both your dental health and quality of life in general. Acid reflux is more than just a cause of tooth erosion; it can bring discomfort too. 

• First off, it induces nausea, heartburn, and regurgitation. 

• Secondly, chronic acid reflux and GERD can lead to more serious health problems, such as esophageal strictures and ulcers, if left untreated. 

So, how can you reduce acid reflux symptoms? Here is how to reduce acid reflux symptoms.

• Maintain a healthy weight. When you’re overweight, you place extra pressure on your stomach, and this can increase the severity and frequency of acid reflux. Create a healthy lifestyle by following a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. 

• Eat smaller meals. Overeating fills up your stomach and puts pressure on the LES, which prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. 

• Too much pressure can cause acidic stomach contents to leak into your esophagus. 

• So, try eating smaller meals throughout the day to relieve pressure on your LES and stomach. 

• Quit smoking. Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach acid in place. Quitting can greatly reduce reflux symptoms and improve overall health.

• Sleep at an incline. Try to keep your upper body at an incline. It is one of the most effective and natural ways to reduce symptoms of acid reflux while sleeping. With this method, gravity helps to keep your stomach content in your stomach and out of your esophagus. 

• Try MedCline's Reflux Relief System to reduce GERD symptoms while maintaining your comfort level. This three-component system keeps you in the position prescribed by your doctor to relieve acid reflux all night long. 

• Medications and surgery. Talk with your doctor about potential solutions for your acid reflux. Many people have found relief from acid reflux symptoms by taking medications such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If all other options fail, GERD surgery may be necessary to provide relief and prevent further gastrointestinal damage. 

The Key Takeaway for Long-Term Dental Health

Living with GERD doesn’t just affect your stomach; it can also wear down your teeth. The connection between acid reflux and dental erosion is undeniable and requires proactive management. While existing enamel loss is irreversible, you can absolutely prevent further damage. Follow the tips listed in this article to minimize the impact of acid reflux on your dental health. 

Start by implementing lifestyle changes to reduce reflux frequency. Combine this with diligent oral hygiene practices designed to protect and strengthen your enamel. In addition, sleeping on an incline using MedCline’s Reflux Relief System can effectively relieve nighttime acid reflux, helping you feel healthy and refreshed. 

Lastly, it’s always important to stay up-to-date when it comes to your dental health. Visit your dentist every six months for regular care and ask them about ways in which you can prevent tooth erosion caused by acid reflux. Your dentist may be able to give you personalized advice and recommend specific products based on your circumstances.