Oral manifestations in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Many systemic diseases exert their influence on oral health. Among these, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common. In this study, 100 patients who were previously diagnosed with GERD were examined following a 12-hour fast and evaluated in terms of the severity (grade) of the disease as well as any oral, dental, and/or salivary pH changes. Results found 11 patients with tooth erosion. These patients were older, and their average mean duration of GERD was longer in comparison to those without erosion. There was an inverse relationship between salivary pH and the GERD duration and grade of severity. As the GERD grade increased, the severity of tooth erosion increased. Patients with erosion also exhibited oral mucosal changes. Thus severe, long-term GERD was found to be potentially detrimental to oral soft tissues, dental structures, and salivary pH, whereas milder forms of the disease did not necessarily cause dental side effects.