Gastro-oesophageal reflux and dental erosion

Abstract

Data sources: Relevant studies were sourced using Medline and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, along with reference lists from identified papers and reviews.

Study selection: Full papers were selected that assessed the prevalence of dental erosion in individuals who had gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD), or vice versa, which were published in the English language.

Data extraction and synthesis: Data extractions was carried out by at least two authors using a standardised data extraction form. Because of a marked variation in outcome measures, qualitative synthesis was carried out.

Results: Seventeen studies met the selection criteria but they differed greatly in design, population, methods of diagnosing GERD, duration of followup and, consequently, in their findings. The median prevalence of dental erosion in GERD patients was 24%, with a large range (5-48%), and the median prevalence of GERD in dental erosion adults patients was 32.5% (range, 21-83%) and 17% in paediatric patients (range, 14-87%).

Conclusions: This systematic review shows that there is a strong association between GERD and dental erosion. The severity of dental erosion seems to be correlated with the presence of GERD symptoms and also, at least in adults, with the severity of proximal oesophageal or oral exposure to an acidic pH. The inspection of the oral cavity in search for dental erosions should become a routine manoeuvre in patients who have GERD.