Dental Erosion in Nigeian Patients with Gastro-oesophageal reflux Disease

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of dental erosion and to document other oral findings in Nigerian patients with GORD. Methods: A total of 225 subjects comprising of 100 volunteers and 125 patients diagnosed with GORD were involved in this study. History of gastric juice regurgitation and heartburn were recorded. Oral examination to quantify loss of tooth structure was done using the tooth wear index (TWI) designed by Smith and Knight (1984). Results: Thirty-five of the 100 volunteers had acid regurgitation and acidic taste sensation in the mouth. Out of these, 16 reported a weekly history of heartburn. Of the 125 patients with GORD, 20 presented with dental erosion in the maxillary anterior teeth with TWI scores ranging from 1-3. The prevalence of erosion by teeth was found to be statistically significant between GORD patients (16%) and control (5%) (p<0.05), but not significant between endoscopic diagnosis groups (p>0.05). Nine GORD patients reported history of burning sensation in the mouth and sensitivity in the tongue. Conclusion: The present study supports the consideration of dental erosion as the extra-oesophageal manifestation of GORD. However the association between GORD and burning mouth sensation needs more investigation.