At Convergent Dentistry, Dr. Christopher C. Rooney and our team are seeing a growing number of patients impacted by acid erosion. Whether it’s caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), chronic heartburn, or even conditions like bulimia, acid exposure can silently damage your teeth over time—often before you even realize it’s happening.
When stomach acids make their way into the mouth, they can soften and erode enamel, the hard protective layer on your teeth. Over time, this leads to increased tooth sensitivity, a greater risk of cavities, and even visible changes in your smile like yellowing or thinning teeth.
So, how do you protect your teeth from acid?
One of the simplest and most affordable tools is something you probably already have at home: baking soda.
Why Baking Soda?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural alkaline compound that helps neutralize acid. When used as a mouth rinse, it can balance the pH in your mouth after acid exposure—especially helpful after an acid reflux episode or purging event. This quick neutralization helps prevent long-term damage to your enamel and reduces bacterial growth.
But here’s the key: use it gently. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so while it’s great for neutralizing acid, brushing with it too often or too aggressively could wear down enamel over time. Instead, try a rinse: dissolve about a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute after an acid exposure.
Also, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after any kind of acid contact. Right after exposure, your enamel is temporarily softened—brushing too soon can actually do more harm than good.
How We Help at Convergent Dentistry
If you’ve been dealing with frequent acid reflux, upset stomach, or a medical condition that causes repeated exposure to stomach acid, it’s important to take a proactive approach with your dental care. At Convergent Dentistry, Dr. Rooney offers personalized evaluations to monitor and manage the effects of acid on your teeth. We focus on preventive strategies and conservative treatment options to preserve your natural enamel for as long as possible.
Baking soda can be a great part of your at-home care routine, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, and guidance tailored to your health needs can make a big difference in keeping your smile strong and protected.
Concerned about acid erosion or tooth sensitivity?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher C. Rooney at Convergent Dentistry in Leawood. We’re here to support your full health—starting with your smile.
Category: Medication and Oral Health