I have a little bit different story on acid reflux. About 8 months ago I had a very dry mouth. I almost felt like I had burned the inner skin from eating hot pizza (which I didn't). I went first to my regular dentist who sent me to an oral surgeon. He did a biopsy and found nothing but inflammation. He called it "Burning Mouth Syndrome". Some refer to it as BMS. Believe it or not, my cardiologist never heard of it. Anyway, it comes from stress, menopause and blood pressure meds. Of course, I have all three! I then mentioned it to my Gastro doctor while seeing him for a stomach problem. Of course he heard of it! And, he said it is caused by acid reflux. You don't have to have upper GI discomfort. It can bring the acid up to your mouth and cause other problems. So...now I have been on Aciphex for 6 months and the problem is gone! But how long is it safe to take these meds? Forever??