Gastroesophageal reflux disease and oral health: A narrative review

Spec Care Dentist. 2022 Nov;42(6):555-564. doi: 10.1111/scd.12726. Epub 2022 May 23.

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition in which stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus. It affects millions of people worldwide and has a detrimental effect on quality of life. Heartburn and acid regurgitation are typical GERD symptoms, while atypical manifestations include noncardiac chest pain, cough and laryngitis. The oral and maxillofacial manifestations of GERD may include dental erosion, xerostomia, mucositis, aphthous like ulcerations, sour taste, burning mouth, hyperesthesia, bruxism, and/or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This narrative review provides oral health care professionals with an update to medical aspects of GERD, recognition and management of oral and maxillofacial manifestations of the condition and provision of appropriate dental care for this patient population.

Keywords: bruxism; dental erosion; gastroesophageal reflux disease; oral manifestations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cough
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / complications
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Laryngitis*
  • Oral Health
  • Quality of Life