When people think about tooth damage, their minds often go to things like cavities and stress grinding. However, it's entirely possible that you've experienced tooth damage because of something that's no fault of your own: acid reflux. Here's what you need to know about this kind of damage and how you can get help fixing it from a cosmetic dentist.

What Acid Damage Does

When you have acid reflux, sometimes a small amount of stomach acid comes up through the esophagus and makes it into the mouth. Stomach acid is extremely acidic, as its job is to break down everything that you eat and to kill nasty bacteria that could otherwise harm you.

When that acid gets onto your teeth, over time, it can cause some significant problems. From wearing teeth down to destroying your teeth's enamel, it can be a big problem. You might experience sensitivity, pain, or just notice that your teeth don't look the way they used to as a result.

Crowns

If your teeth are already damaged, it's time to seek help. Surprisingly, a cosmetic dentist is one of the best people out there to help you with this kind of damage.

Cosmetic dentists can repair severely damaged teeth with dental crowns. Crowns are designed to encapsulate the entire tooth, ensuring that no further acid damage can be done to them.

Since your tooth will be covered by a crown, you'll also regain your old appearance. Your teeth will look healthy and new, and you can be comforted knowing that your teeth are no longer at risk.

Veneers

In some cases, only mild enamel damage occurs with acid reflux. In these cases, veneers are a better choice.

Veneers are designed to go over the front of your teeth, but not the entire tooth. They can make your appearance look great again, but they can also act as an extra layer of protection that prevents sensitivity issues and further enamel damage to the fronts of your teeth.

In fact, most people have the enamel of their teeth filed down when they receive veneers. This is so that they fit better. However, the veneer can take on the role of artificial tooth enamel for anyone, including people who have lost their enamel prior to getting veneers.

Cosmetic dentists aren't just there to make your smile look nice. They can also do a lot to help protect your teeth and to repair damage that's already been done. If you're worried about the damage that acid reflux has done to your teeth, make an appointment to see a cosmetic dentist.