Knowledge of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among Dental Practitioners in Nigeria

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is the clinical condition that develops when the reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus leads to troublesome symptoms and /or complications. Gastric contents attack tissues not adapted to these substances causing symptoms ranging from oesophageal to extra-oesophageal. Dental care might be the first attention to be sought by a patient with GORD with atypical symptoms especially those with oral and tooth wear lesions. Objectives: The study examined the knowledge of GORD among dental practitioners in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: An online validated questionnaire was used to obtain data from one hundred and twenty-five dental practitioners across the country via 'WhatsApp' for self-administering. Results: A total of 125 were returned, 32 (25.6%) consultants and others were residents. A significant number of dental practitioners were aware of GORD (96%) as a gastrointestinal disorder and 95.2% of its existence in Nigeria. Typical symptoms related to GORD were recognized by over 90% of respondents, however, overall, 73(58.4%) had good knowledge regarding the disease with senior residents predominating (χ 2 = 3.118 p = 0.374). Respondents who had spent 11-15 in practice had the best level of good knowledge (69.2%) as compared to the others (Fisher's exact test = 5.037, p = 0.287) The referral pattern of suspected GORD patients was poor 31 (25%), of which junior residents (27.8%) predominated (p = 0.857 Fisher's exact test = 0.908). Conclusion: It is pertinent for dental practitioners to have adequate knowledge on GORD as they may be the first attention to be sought by a patient with GORD especially with respect to oral and tooth wear lesions. Better GORD awareness among dental practitioners will enhance early referrals and improve patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, including collaborations with gastroenterologist, is necessary to improve healthcare quality for GORD patients with oral manifestations.