Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Tooth Erosion: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background/AimsGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in children. Recurrent exposure to gastric acid in GERD may contribute to tooth erosion.MethodsIn this prospective study, 54 GERD patients qualified according to endoscopy, pH-metry, and the GERD questionnaire and 58 healthy controls qualified by the GERD questionnaire were assessed. Two groups underwent dental evaluations for the presence, severity, and patterns of erosion and for the stage of dentition using a Tooth Wear Index. The health care providers who performed the dental exams did not know which children had been diagnosed with GERD.ResultsA total of 112 children, 3 to 12 years old were enrolled in the study, and 53 of 54 (98.1%) GERD patients and 11 of 58 (19.0%) controls had dental erosions (p<0.0001). In GERD patients, the posterior occlusal surfaces of milk teeth were more affected (p<0.0001). There was no correlation between GERD and the affected surfaces in permanent teeth, nor in the patterns or erosion grades (localized or general). In both groups, milk teeth had more erosions than permanent teeth, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsAccording to this study, there is a positive correlation between GERD and dental erosion. Posterior occlusal surface erosions in milk teeth could indicate GERD.

Optical properties and microstructural changes of hard dental tissues in gastro-esophageal reflux disease patients

“…The association of dental erosion and GERD in our study is significant. Similar results were obtained by Fatemeh Farahmand et al [19], who found that 53 of 54 (98.1%) GERD patients and 11 of 58 (19.0%) controls had dental erosions (p<0.0001). Jarvinen et al [20] examined 109 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and found only 6.4% to have erosion, while Meurman et al [21] found 26.2% out of 107 patients diagnosed with gastro-esophageal reflux to have dental erosion.…”

“…Lower pH values in GERD patients according to other studies (19)(20)(21) confirm the higher risk of dental erosion in this condition.…”

Dental Erosion in Brazilian Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…There is a positive correlation between GERD and DE and its presence in the primary dentition should be a key for the dentist to refer the child to the gastroenterologist [27]. The multidisciplinary approach facilitates the transmission of knowledge and widens the exchange of information between the different areas involved.…”

Original Research. Evaluation of Dental Erosion in a Group of Romanian Children Diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…Thus, several structures can be damaged due to acid reflux, such as the pharynx, larynx, lungs, and the oral cavity, including the teeth. 7 The absence or delay of GERD treatment will lead to other serious complications, such as chronic inflammations of the gastric and esophageal mucosa, bleeding and serious blood loss, ulcers and concomitant functional disorders, difficulty in swallowing and narrowing of the esophagus. The upper airways can also be affected; asthma or pneumonia can be induced.…”