I’m wondering if porcelain veneers can help teeth damaged from acid reflux. For the past two years, I’ve had bad acid reflux and heartburn. I’m always nauseous, and I vomit 3-4 times a week. When I move my tongue over the inside surfaces of my teeth, it feels very rough and grainy. And my teeth to anything hot or cold. Also, I have fillings on five teeth, and all of them are very sensitive. I’ve started drinking lukewarm water and eating lukewarm food. Will porcelain veneers protect my teeth from reflux? Thank you – Akshat from CT
Akshat,
The stomach acid that comes up when you vomit dissolves tooth enamel. That’s why your teeth feel rough and grainy. The extra sensitivity that seems to be in your five fillings is likely coming from teeth that are irritated by the acid.
What Can Resolve the Issue with Reflux and Your Teeth?
The best treatment is to get the acid reflux under control.
A veneer only covers the front and sides of a tooth
Your dentist can follow up with fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and decrease the sensitivity in your teeth.
Will Porcelain Veneers Protect Your Back Teeth from Reflux?
- Porcelain veneers only cover the fronts and sides of your teeth. That means the backs of your teeth will still be exposed to stomach acid.
- They are designed for the teeth that show when you smile—or your smile zone.
- Although they are durable, they aren’t strong enough for back teeth and the forces of grinding and chewing food.
An Alternative to Porcelain Veneers
If your back teeth are damaged and the enamel is worn away, porcelain crowns can protect them. Visit a cosmetic dentist for an examination and digital x-rays. It will help determine if you need dental crowns—which is an aggressive treatment for teeth—or if fluoride treatment is enough to protect your teeth.
Minimizing the Effects of Reflux
- Meanwhile, whenever you vomit from being nauseous, immediately rinse your mouth with water. It will dilute the acid that’s coming from your stomach.
- Always keep water with you so you can quickly swish it in your mouth when you’re experiencing bouts of acid reflux.
- Avoid spicy, greasy, and acidic foods and drinks.
Selecting the Right Dentist
A skilled cosmetic dentist produces natural-looking results with porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. He or she will match the restorations to your natural teeth. And your cosmetic dentist will ensure your bite—or the way your teeth fit together—is healthy and won’t cause any discomfort. Look for an experienced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist.
Lowell, MA, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.