Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Dental Erosion

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dental erosion and the alterations in oral tissues. This was a case-control study. The GERD group consisted of 50 individuals with endoscopic esophagitis who had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and the control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. The prevalence of teeth wear and caries was evaluated using the Smith and Knight tooth wear index (TWI) and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), respectively. Inflammatory mouth sensitivity, tongue sensitivity, nonspecific itching and burning, halitosis, dry mouth, teeth sensitivity, and the erythema of the soft and hard palatal mucosa and uvula were also evaluated. Stimulated saliva samples were collected, and the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity values were measured.