The Gross Truth: Burping Can Damage Your Teeth

It’s Friday night and you place an order for delicious hot wings. Immediately after your dinner, you find yourself regretting your decision. Acid reflux and heartburn kicks in causing you to burp and frantically hope you have some calcium tablets on hand. Not only is your burping embarrassing and painful…but it also causes damage to your teeth.

If you suffer from frequent burping and painful heartburn, you might suffer from acid reflux. Aside from the digestive discomfort you might expect with this condition, your teeth are also affected by all that acid. Did you know when you burp, acid makes its way up from your stomach? Once it does, it hits your mouth and teeth, causing wear and tear on the precious enamel the protects your pearly whites. Your enamel is like a shield: it protects your teeth from decay and damage. When your enamel wears away, your teeth are exposed, which can lead to serious (and costly!) dental problems.

How can you Protect your Teeth from Burping Damage?

If you find yourself burping frequently, there are some simple things you can do to reduce your belching and protect your teeth.

1. Slow it down. If you eat or drink on the run, you might find that you are eating far too quickly. Fast eating and chugging water can allow air to get into your tummy which causes gas build up, belching, and embarrassment.
2. Stay away from gas-making foods. Certain foods can cause gas in your digestive tract which can lead to burping. If you consume a lot of beans, brussels sprouts, cabbage or other bloat-inducing bites, try cutting them from your diet.
3. Avoid acid. Certain foods like tomato, coffee and lemons add acid which can make your acid reflux worse. Cutting back on these food items can not only reduce acid from burping, but also reduce added wear and tear on your teeth while eating them.
4. Cut the carbonation. Sodas and bubbly beverages add gas to your stomach and that gas needs a place to escape. A quick way to reduce your burping is to cut down on the carbonated beverages you consume.
5. Snuff out smoking. Not only does smoking damage your teeth with stains and acid, it also forces air down the digestive tract causing unwanted burping and gas. We have some fantastic tips on our oral health blog to help you break up with cigarettes.
6. See your doctor. Excessive burping and discomfort might mean you have acid reflux. Talk to your doctor to see

Don’t be embarrassed by burping; try these simple steps to reduce burping and prevent powerful stomach acid from wearing down your teeth. Your enamel is your smile’s shield; keep that shield strong by practicing everyday changes to your diet. Burping can damage your teeth but our tips make it simple to protect your smile…and as well as reduce bothersome belching!