This study aimed to investigate the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dental erosion and the alterations in oral tissues. This was a case-control study. The GERD group consisted of 50 individuals with endoscopic esophagitis who had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and the control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. The prevalence of teeth wear and caries was evaluated using the Smith and Knight tooth wear index (TWI) and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), respectively. Inflammatory mouth sensitivity, tongue sensitivity, nonspecific itching and burning, halitosis, dry mouth, teeth sensitivity, and the erythema of the soft and hard palatal mucosa and uvula were also evaluated. Stimulated saliva samples were collected, and the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity values were measured.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Fatma Aytac Bal
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
TWI (Smith and Knight tooth wear index)
Score 0 No loss of enamel surface characteristics. No loss of contour. Score 1 Loss of enamel surface characteristics. Minimal loss of contour. Score 2 Loss of enamel exposing dentine for less than one third of surface. Loss of enamel just exposing dentine. Defect less than 1 mm deep. Score 3 Loss of enamel exposing dentine for more than one third of surface. Loss of enamel and substantial loss of dentine. Defect less than 1-2 mm deep. Score 4 Complete enamel loss - pulp exposure - secondary dentin exposure. Pulp exposure or exposure of secondary dentine. Defect more than 2mm deep - pulp exposure - secondary dentine exposure.
Time frame: Baseline
DMFT index
The decayed, missing, and filled teeth index
Time frame: Baseline
Salivary flow rate
Saliva collection was performed between 9:00 and 12:00 in the morning. Stimulation for the collection of saliva samples was provided by sugar-free gum. Saliva flow rate was recorded as ml / min by dividing the amount obtained after 5 minutes of chewing by the time.
Time frame: Baseline
pH value
The pH value of saliva samples was measured with a pH meter (Sentron digital pH-meter, Nisan Inc.,Turkey). The calibration procedure of the device was done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and using standard pH buffers.
Time frame: Baseline
Buffering capacity
The buffering capacity of the collected saliva samples was determined according to the Ericsson method.The collected stimulated saliva was taken into another sterile glass tube by drawing 1 ml without waiting. 3ml 0.005 N HCl was added onto it and the vessel was vibrated slightly to remove carbon dioxide and the pH value was measured with a pH meter (Sentron digital pH-meter, Nisan Inc.,Turkey).
Time frame: Baseline
Oral complaints
Oral complaints of the participants were evaluated according to the answers given to the questions regarding inflammatory mouth sensitivity, tongue sensitivity, nonspecific itching and burning in the mucosa, halitosis, dry mouth, and increased teeth sensitivity. The presence of erythema in the soft/hard palatal mucosa/uvula was determined by oral examination.
Time frame: Baseline
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