Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Role of Dentist

BACK GR O U ND Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent across populations with varied manifestations and substantial morbidity. Our review focuses mainly on the role of dental practitioner in GERD, its oral manifestations and management. GERD shows oesophageal and extra oesophageal syndromes. Oesophageal syndromes are reflux chest pain syndrome, typical reflux syndrome, reflux stricture, reflux esophagitis, oesophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett’s oesophagus. Extra oesophageal syndromes are reflux cough syndrome, reflux asthma syndrome, reflux dental erosion syndrome, reflux laryngitis syndrome, pharyngitis, and sinusitis. Classic reflux symptoms may be absent in more than half the patients presenting with extra oesophageal symptoms. For this reason, the first provisional diagnosis of GERD may be made by a dental practitioner as a result of clinical observation of enamel erosion. A direct association exists between gastroesophageal reflux disease and oral cavity diseases. Dental practitioner can recognise the secondary manifestations of GERD for early diagnosis and can assist in management of these patients. Traditional management of GERD includes medical therapy, non-medical therapy and surgical therapy, in future dental examination and dental treatment can also be included. There is a lack of awareness among the general physicians regarding the association between GERD and dental erosions. According to the study, 40 % of them are aware of dental erosions in GERD, indicating that there is a need to circulate this information through medical education. There should be an interdisciplinary coordination between family physician, dentist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, and gastroenterologist for treatment of oral manifestations resulting from GERD. This review highlights the role of dental practitioner in management of GERD. KEY WORDS Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Dental Erosion, Oesophagus, Gastric acid, Saliva