Dental health is something many of us tend to overlook until a problem arises. A little sensitivity here, a small cavity there, and it’s easy to brush it off – both literally and figuratively.
But have you ever stopped to think about what’s happening to your teeth on a deeper level? Tooth erosion is a sneaky culprit that can cause significant damage over time, often without you even realizing it. While poor oral hygiene is the usual suspect when it comes to tooth troubles, there’s more to the story.
Tooth erosion occurs when the protective enamel on your teeth wears away, exposing the sensitive layers beneath. We usually think of this as a consequence of not brushing or flossing enough or indulging too much in sugary foods and drinks.
And while that’s true, it can also be influenced by certain health conditions that might seem unrelated at first glance. Today, we’ll take a look at some of these conditions.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – GERD for short – is more than just a fancy term for persistent heartburn. It occurs when the acid in your stomach acid takes a detour into the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation we all loathe.
WebMD notes that among the factors responsible for GERD include obesity, pregnancy, and gastroparesis – the delayed emptying of the stomach. Diseases of the connective tissues – including lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis – can also cause GERD.
Beyond the usual discomfort that it’s characteristic of, GERD can have surprising effects on other parts of your body, including your teeth.
When acid from the stomach keeps making its way into the esophagus, it can also reach the mouth. And that’s where the trouble starts. Your tooth enamel is tough, but even it can’t stand up to a constant acid attack.
Over time, this exposure causes tooth erosion by wearing down the protective enamel layer.
Is There A Link Between GERD and Anxiety?
Yes. A 2023 National Library of Medicine study supported the claim that GERD makes people more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. The authors of the study recommended that patients with GERD should receive mental health support. GERD and anxiety also share common symptoms like chest pain, heartburn, and nausea.
Xerostomia
Do you know what the job of the saliva in your mouth involves? Unlike popular belief, it isn’t just there to make chewing and swallowing easier. Think of it as a natural cleaner that washes away any stuck food particles and neutralizes acids harmful to your teeth.
Xerostomia happens when your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva to keep things moist and comfortable. Also called “chronic dry mouth,” it might not seem to be a big deal at first. But imagine this: your mouth feels like a desert, parched and craving some relief. That’s what life with xerostomia can be like.
According to Mayo Clinic, xerostomia is most often diagnosed in people in their late 60s, with aging being its primary cause. Other causes range from casual – snoring and mouth breathing – to severe – cancer therapy, nerve damage, or Alzheimer’s.
When there’s a saliva shortage in your mouth, your teeth lose that protective barrier. Without enough saliva to do its job, the acids from foods and drinks can have a field day, leading to tooth erosion. It’s like your teeth are under attack without their usual defense system in place.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a bit like a secret nighttime habit that your teeth wish you’d quit. It’s the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, and it often happens when you’re not even aware of it.
If you’re waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or teeth that feel more sensitive than usual, bruxism might be the sneaky culprit.
Now, imagine your teeth enduring this grinding and clenching night after night. Over time, this constant pressure and friction can wear down your tooth enamel, causing tooth erosion.
It’s like your teeth are in a never-ending battle, slowly losing their protective armor. The result? Weaker, more vulnerable teeth that are prone to sensitivity, chips, and even cracks.
Can Bruxism be Caused by Stress?
Yes. Sleep Education notes that adults dealing with stress have a higher likelihood of self-reported bruxism. This is because stress triggers our flight or fight response, which causes physical changes, including tensed muscles. Your tensed jaw muscles ultimately cause the subconscious grinding of teeth.
Can Medications Cause Tooth Erosion?
So far, we’ve learned that tooth erosion is a secondary issue in several health conditions and diseases that are independent of them. While we’re on the subject of things that cause tooth erosion indirectly, let’s also address the medications responsible for it.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a medication that often steps in when someone is battling opioid addiction. It’s like a helping hand, easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making the journey to recovery a bit more manageable.
But, like many good things, Buprenorphine comes with some side effects, and one of those might surprise you – dry mouth. When your mouth is constantly dry, it lacks the saliva needed to wash away acids and bacteria, setting the stage for tooth erosion.
Suboxone is a popular example of Buprenorphine-containing medication, as noted by TorHoerman Law. The drug comprises a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone and is available in both tablets as well as sublingual forms.
Many of Suboxone’s consumers suffered tooth erosion – as well as other dental issues, like tooth decay – after its prolonged consumption.
In light of it, they’ve filed a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit against its manufacturers. They demand compensation from the defendants in the absence of proper warning provided alongside the medication.
Other medicines that contain Buprenorphine include Buprenex, Zubsolv, and Sublocade.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the go-to solution for anyone dealing with allergies. They’re great at calming their annoying symptoms, letting you breathe easier and enjoy your day without constant sniffles or itchy eyes.
One of the side effects of antihistamines is dry mouth. Without enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, acids and bacteria linger longer, chipping away at your enamel over time. In the long run, it leads to tooth erosion, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a lifeline for many people dealing with the challenges of depression and anxiety. Their job is to balance the chemicals in your brain. In doing so, they help lift the fog of depression and ease the weight of anxiety so that life feels more manageable and brighter.
Whether it’s SSRIs, SNRIs, or other types, antidepressants can make a world of difference in mental health. Today’s RDH notes that SSRI – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – antidepressants make you vulnerable to conditions like xerostomia and bruxism. This, in turn, results in tooth erosion.
What we’ve learned today is that the risk of tooth erosion is a sneaky presence in many health conditions and diseases. From acid reflux to dry mouth and even the medications you take, your overall health has a great impact on your dental health. The key to keeping tooth erosion at bay involves educating yourself about its direct and indirect causes and taking preventative measures.
Christa Rose Avampato is a versatile author known for her captivating narratives and thought-provoking insights. With a passion for diverse genres, she weaves rich experiences into her writing, creating vivid characters and compelling storylines.