As if the parents of a newborn baby don't worry enough, they often have to deal with the fact that their bundle of joy is experiencing acid reflux. When babies spit up, the contents of their stomachs are regurgitated back into their mouths (and often dribbles out). This is because the muscles that keep stomach contents where they belong (the lower esophageal sphincter) haven't yet fully developed. Most babies simply grow out of this form of reflux. When they don't and actual gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is suspected, you'll undoubtedly have your child checked out by a doctor. As part of any treatment plan, your doctor might in fact refer you to your family dentist.

Treatment Plans

A treatment plan for GERD can involve specific dietary changes, with your doctor recommending that certain foods and drinks are avoided, as they can aggravate your child's acid reflux. Medication can also be helpful in suppressing acid reflux, and in extreme cases, surgery might be recommended. However, the regurgitation of corrosive stomach acids can have a disastrous effect on a child's teeth, which is why your family dentist should be consulted.

The Power of Stomach Acid

Stomach acid contains a lot of components that can be toxic, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and hydrochloric acid. In terms of the corrosive power of stomach acid, it's actually quite similar to battery acid. Clearly, the regular passage of this acid through the mouth can erode dental enamel. This makes teeth incredibly more vulnerable to decay once their protective coating of enamel has been breached. How can your dentist protect your child's teeth against the damaging effects of acid reflux?

Extra Protection for Your Child's Teeth

Because dental enamel is heavily mineralized (mostly made of calcium phosphate), the effects of erosion are known as tooth demineralization. As such, your family dentist will take steps to remineralize your child's teeth. Your child's regular checkups might involve the application of a fluoride varnish to fortify their dental enamel. Molars, with a flat biting surface, might require additional protection in the form of a dental sealant. This is a transparent dental resin painted onto the teeth, creating a physical barrier that protects them from the corrosive effects of acid reflux. Both a fluoride varnish and a dental sealant can easily be reapplied as needed.

The harmful effects of acid reflux should be minimized once the condition is being effectively managed. But it's important that your child's teeth are given extra protection so that they don't become a casualty of your child's acid reflux.

Visit websites like https://valleyoakdentalgroup.com/ to learn more.