GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common condition that affects from 5% to 7% of the population. The most common GERD symptom is chronic heartburn, but it's not the only symptom.

Other symptoms of GERD include:

• Belching
  
• Chronic sore throat
  
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
  
• Waterbrash (sudden excess of saliva)
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Sour taste in the mouth
  
• Bad breath
  
• Inflammation of the gums
  
• Erosion of tooth enamel (the surface of the teeth)

Sometimes, there are no symptoms and GERD is only diagnosed when complications (see below) arise.  WebMD