Oral Manifestations of Reflux Oesophagitis in a Cameroonian Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Reflux esophagitis also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an esophageal mucosal injury that occurs secondary to retrograde reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus. The aim of the present study was to determine the oral manifestations of adults suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux at the General Hospital of Douala, Cameroon.

Methodology: This was a descriptive and comparative study carried out on between December to June 2019. The study was based on a questionnaire survey and clinical oral examinations on adults attending the gastroenterology department of the Douala general hospital.

Results: A total of 200 adults aged 18 to 68 years made up of 100 participants with GERD+ and 100 participants without GERD- participated in our study. Our study population consisted of 118 (59.0%) women and 82 (41.0%) men with an average age of 38.2±5 s.d.

All of our population used a toothbrush for hygiene and 98% of the GERD+(positive) group used toothpaste; 151 (75.5%) participants, including 81(81%) of patients with GERD+ versus 70(70%) in controls brushed their teeth twice a day. Despite their acceptable oral hygiene, all patients living with GERD+ had at least one dental pathology against 89% without GERD with a significant difference p = 0.002. The most declared reason for consultation for patients with GERD+ was dental sensitivity.

Xerostomia, dental erosions, mucosal burns, soft / hard palate erythema, dental sensitivities, dental caries, halitosis was more prevalent in subjects with GERD. Oral pathologies associated with factors such as duration of the disease included dental erosions, halitosis, xerostomia (p <0.001). The unmet treatment needs for population included restorative care (76%) and pharmacological intervention (44%) with a significant difference in the two populations p <0.001.

Conclusion: The prevalence of oral pathologies was high in the population studied, probably reflecting the situation in the general population. This study has showed that there was a significant difference at the oral level between healthy people and those living with gastro-esophageal reflux.

Recommendation: Dental surgeon faced with these oral manifestations or one of them should refer the patient in consultation with a gastroenterologist for suspicion of gastro-esophageal reflux. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for management.