Acid reflux – also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD – is a condition that affects approximately 60 percent of the adult population in America at least once per year. An estimated 20 to 30 percent will experience weekly symptoms. The number of hospitalizations due to acid reflux continues to grow each year, making it a serious health condition worthy of close consideration and attention. At the Clinton Township, MI dental office of Dr. Mindy Salzberg-Siegel, our team is committed to helping patients understand their risk factors for acid reflux to improve outcomes and overall health. Our unique approach to this widespread condition gives our patients a clear advantage in the fight against GERD’s oral health and systemic effects.
Understanding Acid Reflux
The term “acid reflux” refers to the recurring upward movement of stomach acid into the esophagus. While the stomach’s protective lining is adapted to this harsh hydrochloric acid, the tissues in the esophagus and oral cavity are easily irritated by its abrasive composition. With repeated instances of reflux, patients may experience a variety of symptoms and complications, including:
- Frequent heartburn, often severe in nature
- Regurgitation (a bitter or sour taste in the mouth and burning in the throat)
- Recurring hoarseness or cough
- A feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Nausea
- Erosion of tooth enamel (exacerbated by bruxism)
- Excessive production of mucus; post-nasal drip
- Increased risk of esophageal cancer
- Indigestion, hiccups, burping, and bloating after eating
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Dr. Salzberg-Siegel and Your Doctor: Partnering for Your Health
The link between oral health and systemic wellness has been well established for years. Correlations have been discovered between periodontal disease and a wide range of serious health conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, pulmonary hypertension, and even some forms of cancer. Targeting oral health concerns in conjunction with systemic conditions is one way that we help our patients live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. This is of particular importance in the case of acid reflux.
In order to best serve our patients from Clinton Township, MI and the surrounding areas, Dr. Salzberg-Siegel has elected to partner with general practitioners in our community. By providing our patients and their doctors with the proper tools for prescreening for acid reflux, we can help mitigate and even prevent the harmful effects of this condition. We are able to actively contact your primary care provider with information specific to your unique case, further enhancing your care and reducing your risk of potentially serious health conditions related to acid reflux.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Working together, Dr. Salzberg-Siegel and local general practitioners can help safeguard and improve the health of our mutual patients. Find us on Selfscreen.net to take a free assessment to evaluate your potential risks for acid reflux, periodontal disease, and other conditions that may affect your systemic health. As always, Dr. Salzberg-Siegel is always here to answer any questions you may have and to address your concerns in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Your ongoing oral wellness and overall health are our top priorities.
Contact us at our Clinton Township, MI dental office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Salzberg-Siegel and our caring, highly educated staff. Our state-of-the-art practice is privileged to serve families from throughout the surrounding communities of Mount Clemens, Saint Clair Shores, Shelby, Sterling Heights, Fraser, and more.