Dental erosion and upper gastrointestinal disorders.

The orodental status, particularly dental erosions, of 109 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms was examined. In 44 patients, the underlying pathosis was associated with increased acid output in the stomach (reflux esophagitis or duodenal ulcer), while in 48 patients who underwent cholecystectomy, the duodenogastric reflux was alkaline. In 17 patients with gastric ulcer, the gastric secretion was usually normal. The diagnoses were made with gastroscopy. Seven patients with dental erosion were found, and they all came from the group of 35 dental patients with reflux esophagitis or duodenal ulcer. No erosions were seen in the other diagnostic groups (F = 0.02). Thus, gastrointestinal disorders with increased output of gastric acid may be linked with dental erosions. The finding emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms in order to avoid irreversible lesions in the teeth.