Tuesday , March 19 2024

Gastroparesis and Your Dental Health

Gastroparesis and Your Dental HealthGastroparesis, also known as GERD causes a delayed emptying of the stomach acids and food, which creates numerous symptoms, one included is acid reflux. Along with a great deal of discomfort and systemic health-related factors, what many people don’t realize is that acid reflux can adversely affect your teeth and oral health.
Acids, in general, can soften and erode the tooth’s enamel all the way into the spongy, inner layer called dentin. Once the enamel is eroded, there is no cure and the likelihood of increased cavities and the risk of further break down in the tooth structure is imminent. Suggested treatment is to restore the teeth with fillings, veneers, or crowns. In severe situations, teeth cannot be restored and dental implants or other prosthetics will need to be prescribed to replace these teeth to insure future oral health and functionality.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
• Nausea
• Overly full feeling
• Abdominal pain & bloating
• Nausea
• Belching
• Bloating
• Burning sensations in the throat
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Regurgitation
• Oral ulcers
• Vomiting
• Bad breath
• Decaying or Eroded teeth
Gastroparesis is treatable. There are several different classes of drugs that work by helping to move food through the stomach and intestines more quickly and also by controlling the amount of acid in the stomach, which consequently alleviates the acid in the throat and mouth.
If you have acid reflux, you will need to take a comprehensive approach to your overall health and oral health by getting more frequent dental exams, making lifestyle approaches to reduce acid intake, taking acid-reducing medications or other preventive and healing strategies.
What you can do to Lessen GERD Flare-ups
Your diet plays a huge role in the control of your acid reflux. Lemon water actually tamps down acid by reducing the PH levels in the stomach. The same holds true for apple cider vinegar diluted in water, but you must be certain to dilute the ratio in water to avoid excessive erosion and other acid-related issues.
The IFFGD (International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders) states the following dietary recommendations:
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Eat less fatty foods
• Avoid fiber
• Avoid foods that cannot be chewed well
• Foods that are generally encouraged include:
– Breads, cereals, crackers, ground or pureed meats
– Vegetables – cooked and, if necessary,
blenderized/strained
– Fruits – cooked and, if necessary,
blenderized/strained
– Juices, beverages, milk products, if tolerated
– Small, frequent meals
Ocala Dental Care
Ocala Dental Care is a restorative dental office dedicated to offering exceptional care from dental basics to extensive procedures, all within a warm, inviting setting. They provide comprehensive restorative and general dentistry services to patients, including dental hygiene cleanings, root canals, endodontics, dental implants, dentures, crowns, and full mouth reconstruction.
Members of the FDA and Central Florida District Dental Association, they have been serving patients for more than 30 years and look forward to serving all of your dental needs.
If you or someone you know is concerned about their oral health, or if you need a check-up, please contact Ocala Dental Care today.
Ocala Denta Care
2415 SW 27th Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
352-237-6196
www.OcalaDentalCare.com

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