For many people, that burning feeling in your chest (heartburn), after eating too much or eating too fast, is a familiar occurrence. While it’s normal to experience heartburn from time to time, regularly reoccurring acid reflux is usually diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – a potentially serious chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid flows into the oesophagus and irritates the lining. If left untreated, GERD can increase the risk of cancer of the oesophagus or pharynx. Unfortunately, a lot of people go undiagnosed for years because they don’t take their acid reflux symptoms seriously. In fact, did you know that many people are actually first diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease by their dentist? How can your dentist help diagnose reflux? Dentists are often the first health care professionals to diagnose GERD as it can also greatly affect your teeth. Aside from heartburn, one of the first indications of the disease is erosion of tooth enamel. Too much acid can start to dissolve the enamel – particularly at night while you sleep. If the enamel has started to wear away, it can make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold, and cause a yellowish discolouration. As this loss of enamel is permanent, it’s imperative that you book an appointment with your dentist right away if you are experiencing any sensitivity. Even if you’re already aware that you suffer from acid reflux, see your dentist regularly so they can recommend ways to prevent further damage. This is not something you want to ignore as enamel erosion can result in needing fillings, crowns or even extractions in extreme situations. Know the signs associated with acid reflux In addition to tooth sensitivity and heartburn, other tell-tale signs of reflux are excessive burping, having the sensation of a lump in your throat, and experiencing a sour, acidic taste in your mouth. These are all common reflux symptoms and should be given prompt attention. The good news is that the following list indicates some relatively easy ways to lower your risk of symptoms worsening: 1) Eat smaller meals 2) Resist napping after a big meal – stay upright 3) Eliminate smoking and alcohol 4) Reduce or eliminate trigger foods such as tomatoes, citric fruits and foods that are spicy, acidic or high in fat 5) Maintain a healthy weight Robert Duhig Dental can ease all of your concerns about acid reflux symptoms book your appointment today and make your health a...

Are you looking for the right family dentist in Deagon, Brighton, or Boondall? Robert Duhig Dental in Sandgate is the gentler alternative for families on the northside of Brisbane – and we’ve been privileged to treat generations of the same family, from babies to grandparents! You can feel confident that you’ll benefit from our years of experience, gentle approach, the use of the latest in dental technology, and our highly competitive fees. We understand that your family’s teeth are incredibly important – and we’re dedicated to looking after your smile and the smiles of your family members for years to come. Read on to find out more about what you should be looking for in your family’s dentist! What are the benefits? Having one dentist to tend to your family’s dental needs means that your dentist will be able to assess the overall health of your family’s teeth, while gaining a greater understanding of any genetic issues that may be present. Your dentist will also be able to help with any environmental factors that may be impacting the health of your family’s teeth – these factors include diet, the quality of the water you drink, and any chemicals or materials you might come in contact with around your home. And having a dentist within minutes’ drive of your home in Deagon, Brighton, or Boondall is an added convenience. What to consider  Comfort. Ensuring that all members of your family are comfortable with the dentist you choose is paramount. Many people are anxious about going to the dentist, especially children, so choosing a dentist who is gentle, approachable, and patient is really important to ensure your family’s oral health is well looked after.  The services on offer. Every family’s dental needs differ, especially over time. You need to choose a dentist who is capable of offering a wide range of services – from emergency services to specialist childhood dental care, services particular to adults and of course, cosmetic dentistry such as braces and Invisalign.  Affordability. Your family’s health is important, but it’s also important that the services on offer suit your budget. Choose a dentist who will provide affordable services to your family, as well as offer you access to government-funded schemes or payment plans to help you when you need it.  Location. If you live in Deagon, Brighton, or Boondall, you’re not going to want to travel too far out of the way to visit the dentist. Robert Duhig’s practice in Sandgate is an easy 10 minutes drive away! Need a dentist? Brighton and surrounding suburb locals choose Robert Duhig Dental for gentle, affordable family care. Call us on 07 3269 2443 or visit us...