Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

Straws aren't just for kids anymore.

Drinking acid containing beverages through a straw can minimize contact with the teeth and help prevent enamel erosion. And colas aren't the only culprits. A study published in The Academy of General Dentistry says lemonade, sports drinks, fitness water and commercial iced teas can be more corrosive than colas. Sometimes acids are added to give drinks a longer shelf life and tangier taste. Some foods can also cause problems ' sucking on an orange or lemon slice, citrus flavored hard candies, and even strawberry jam can cause damage.

Many acid reflux patients are diagnosed by their dentists ' acid refluxing back up the esophagus and into the mouth can erode dental enamel.

Nancy Rosen, DMD, a graduate of the Tufts School of Dental Medicine and a cosmetic dentist in Manhattan, recently gave some pointers to CBS's The Early Show. The Mayo Clinic has similar suggestions to minimize the damage.

* Drink less and drink it quickly. * Drink through a straw. * Drink chilled liquids ' chilling reduces acid potency. * Drink acidic beverages and eat acidic foods as part of a meal to help neutralize acid. * Time and neutralize acid consumption. The worst time to consume acid is before bedtime. Saliva production decreases during sleep and saliva helps to neutralize and dilute acid. Eating cheese and rinsing with water or a fluoride rinse also helps neutralize acid. * Chew sugar free gum to help stimulate saliva flow. * Brush teeth 30 minutes before consuming acid with a fluoride toothpaste. * Wait 30 minutes after consuming acid to brush teeth ' doing it right after is like brushing with acid as toothpaste.

Barrett's Esophagus and Black Raspberries

Barrett's Esophagus, an uncommon condition which is most often a result of chronic acid reflux, changes the composition and color of the cells lining your esophagus because of repeated exposure to stomach acid. A recent study at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center showed that black raspberries can help. Laura A. Kresty, PhD says that black raspberries are high in antioxidants as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber. She and colleagues had 20 men and women with Barretts eat 32 or 45 grams respectively of concentrated freeze-dried black raspberries daily for 26 weeks. The patients experienced a significant decline in the markers linked to the development of the disease. The study shows that lifestyle changes can really help in disease prevention.

FDA Approval

Perrigo Co, reports that it has received FDA approval for an over the counter chewable tablet comparable to Pepcid Complete. This new product will be marketed under store brand labels. The drug's purpose is to relieve heartburn associated with acid reflux.

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 and customerservice@medslant.com. I love hearing from you.



Back to Newsletters