Gastroesophegeal reflex disease [GERD] and dental erosion

ABSTRACT

Gastroesophageal reflux [GER] is the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus, and GERD is defined as symptoms or complications of GER. The most common extra oral manifestation of GERD is tooth surface loss, a progressive, irreversible loss of dental hard tissues due to a chemical process not involving bacteria. Dentists are often the first health care personnel to diagnose dental erosion in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]. Permanent incisors and first permanent molars of 210 patients having age 06 years and above were examined. Patients were asked to fill the questionnaire containing questions about previous history of gatroesophageal reflex disease. Community periodontal index and treatment need [CPITN] probe was run over labial, occlusal and lingual surfaces of incisors and molars, to check for loss of enamel surface. Out of 210 patients examined, 39 were [18.57%] having GERD. Out of 39 patients only one [2.56%] patient had less than one third of the enamel surface involved. 13[33.3%] patients should teeth between one third and two third of the surface involved. 14[35.9%] patients had more than two third surface involved and in 6[15.4%] patients, assessment was not possible. Gatroesophageal reflex disease [GERD] is an increasingly common and potentially serious condition, with various extraesophageal adverse health effects that dental practitioners should be aware of. Clinicians should also be aware of the predisposing risk factors for GERD and its classical esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms and signs. This study determined the GERD patients were at higher risk of developing dental erosion compared to the healthy individuals in a sample of Pakistani population