Bad Tastes in Your Mouth in the Morning? Patients Beware of GERD!

Some of us wake regularly or occasionally with a sour taste and perhaps a sore throat. There are a few common causes of bad taste. The some causes can and should receive treatment. There is no treatment for other causes.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD, affects as much as half the population. Bad or sour taste is one symptom that patients may discuss with their dentist before their physician. Other oral signs and symptoms include tooth sensitivity, tooth erosion, and an increase in tooth decay (see photos). Other symptoms include frequent sinusitis, frequent heart burn, and chest and upper back pain. Some patients have no noticeable symptoms - known as "Silent GERD". Silent GERD may be a significant cause of sleep disorders. GERD is a treatable, but serious condition.

Normally, the pyloric valve prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus or food pipe. Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows up the esophagus. While the stomach lining protects soft tissue from acid, the esophagus, throat and teeth do not have protection against stomach acid.

A primary cause of GERD is weakening of the pyloric valve by a peptic ulcer (a sore near the pyloric valve) or hiatal hernia (part of the stomach presses through the diaphragm into the chest).

Another cause of GERD is an increase in pressure in the stomach or abdomen. Obesity, frequent coughing as in asthma, and pregnancy can cause enough of an increase in abdominal pressure to force stomach contents up into the esophagus.

Other medical conditions may cause the stomach to empty more slowly. Diabetes and diseases that affects the normal function of nerves and muscles may slow the movement of food through the esophagus and stomach.

Finally, connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma and lupus erythematosis, may change texture and pliability of the stomach, its lining and the pyloric valve. When these organs become thicker and less pliant, gastric reflux may result.