The Association of Acidic Reflux above the Upper Oesophageal Sphincter with Palatal Tooth Wear

Vol. 39, No. 6, 2005

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 78 KB)

Original Paper

The Association of Acidic Reflux above the Upper Oesophageal Sphincter with Palatal Tooth Wear
R. Moazzez^a, A. Anggiansah^b, D.W. Bartlett^a

^aDepartment of Prosthodontics, GKT Dental Institute,and
^bOesophageal Investigation Unit, St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Caries Res 2005;39:475-478 (DOI: 10.1159/000088182)

Key Words

Acidic reflux
Oesophageal pH

Abstract

This case-controlled clinical study, conducted at a secondary care unit, compared pH measurement at 2 cm above the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) in 31 patients complaining of extra-oesophageal symptoms of reflux to 7 control subjects. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory pH measurements were recorded and analysed at 5 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) and 2 cm above the UOS. In reflux patients the proportion of supine time when pH at 5 cm above the LOS was <4 was significantly greater than in controls. The proportion of time when pH at 2 cm above the UOS was <5.5 was also significantly greater in patients than in controls. Palatal tooth wear observed in the patient group correlated with acid reflux at night. In this group of patients presenting with symptoms of reflux, gastric acid passed through the upper oesophageal sphincter and increased the potential for erosion.

Author Contacts

Rebecca Moazzez
Department of Prosthodontics, GKT Dental Institute
Floor 26 Guy's Tower, St. Thomas' Street, London Bridge
London SE1 9RT (UK)
Tel. +44 20 1885390, Fax +44 20 1881792, E-Mail rebecca.moazzez@kcl.ac.uk

Article Information

Received: July 23, 2004
Accepted after revision: February 16, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 15

Medline Abstract (ID 16251791)

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