Abstract:

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dental erosion and the alterations in oral tissues. Materials and Methods: In this study, the GERD group consisted of 50 individuals with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and the control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. The prevalence of teeth wears and caries was evaluated using the Smith and Knight tooth wear index (TWI) and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), respectively. Oral complaints were also evaluated. Stimulated saliva samples were collected, and the salivary buffering capacity, pH and flow rate values were measured. Results: In the GERD group, wear was observed in the palatal surface of the maxillary teeth, whereas no wear was observed in the control group (p<0.05). Although the incisal surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth and the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary/mandibular posterior teeth were observed as eroded in both groups, the values in the patient group were significantly higher compared with those of controls (p<0.05). In the GERD group, complaints of inflammatory mouth sensitivity, tongue sensitivity, nonspecific itching and burning, halitosis, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, erythema in the soft/hard palatinal mucosa/uvula were significantly more frequent than the control group (p<0.05, for each). The groups were similar with respect to DMFT (p=0.480). The salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity values were found to be significantly lower in the GERD group (p<0.05, for each). Conclusion: The results showed that patients with GERD had wear in palatal surfaces of maxillary teeth. Moreover, these patients also complained more commonly from oral tissue alterations and had lower salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. Hence dentists should consider GERD as a potential risk factor for oral health.

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