Dental erosion caused by silent gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a relatively common condition, in which stomach acid may be refluxed up through the esophagus and into the oral cavity, resulting in enamel erosion. Symptoms such as belching, unexplained sour taste and heartburn usually alert the patient to the condition. In silent GERD, however, these symptoms do not occur, and enamel erosion of the posterior dentition may be the first indication of GERD.