Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Sugar?
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. It also has many different potential causes and effects. Tooth decay, damage to the teeth or gums, an overactive oral microbiome, or other things can cause sensitivity to hot and cold, sweet, and acidic foods.
Keeping your mouth healthy can help you avoid more pain whenever you eat sensitivity-triggering food.
This article will cover why your teeth are sensitive to sugar and other possible reasons for this weird (and painful) sensation in your mouth.
What is Sugar Sensitivity?
Sugar sensitivity is a type of tooth decay that occurs when the bacteria in your mouth feed off the simple sugars in foods and drinks you consume. Over time, these bacteria produce acids that leach minerals from your teeth.
Sugar sensitivity manifests as tooth sensitivity to heat or cold, sweets, and acidic foods. This tooth decay differs from cavities since cavities are holes in the teeth that can be treated with fillings.
On the other hand, sugar sensitivity results from demineralization, the process by which minerals are drained from your teeth. Once the minerals are drained from the teeth, they become more susceptible to damage and decay.
People with sensitive teeth might also need to avoid lots of foods containing sugar and acids. Also, some over-the-counter toothpaste, mouthwashes, and even regular toothbrushes can be too rough on sensitive teeth. Your dental health provider may suggest you use oral products specifically made to target and improve tooth sensitivity.
Dentists can also replace lost minerals in teeth with dental filling procedures like dental crowns or tooth bonding treatments.
How Does Eating Sweets Make Your Teeth Hurt?
Your teeth are made up of a hard outer layer called enamel. Enamel is mainly calcium, protecting the softer inner layer called dentin from exposure. On the inside of your tooth, you have a pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
This part of your tooth is responsible for sensing temperature, hot and cold, and pain. When your tooth is exposed to high sugar levels, it interacts with the bacteria in your mouth and produces acid.
This acid will eat away at the enamel and dentin layers of your tooth and, if left unchecked, can eventually lead to tooth decay. The more you eat foods high in sugar, the more likely you will experience this discomfort.
Dentin, your food, and your pain level
The enamel on your teeth is what protects them from damage and disease. The dentin underneath is sensitive because it has nerves that detect hot, cold, and painful sensations. When you consume food that is high in sugar, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acid.
This acid dissolves the dentin, making it softer and more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. When the acid is strong enough to dissolve the dentin, it will travel through it and dissolve the enamel on the other side of your tooth.
Therefore, by eating or drinking a food or beverage high in sugar, your teeth will feel more sensitive because of the acid’s ability to dissolve dentin.
The Crown and the Root
The crown is the visible part of your tooth, while the root goes beneath the gum line and into the jawbone. Sugar sensitivity is more likely to affect the crown of the tooth because it is more porous than the root.
The crown of your tooth is covered by a hard substance called enamel that protects your teeth from decay. On the other hand, the root is covered by dentin, which is softer and more porous.
Eating something high in sugar can increase the acidity of your saliva, which can cause trigger sensitivity and pain once your tooth root becomes exposed.
The Dangers of Sugar on Your Teeth
The bacteria in your mouth feed off simple sugars in foods and drinks. Over time, these bacteria produce acids that leach minerals from your teeth. The enamel on your teeth is what protects them from damage and disease.
The dentin underneath is sensitive because it has nerves that detect pain. When you consume food that is high in sugar, the bacteria in your mouth will feed on that sugar and produce acid. This acid dissolves the enamel and dentin on your teeth, making them softer and more sensitive to hot, cold, and painful sensations.
When the acid is strong enough, it will travel through your teeth’ dentin and dissolve it along with the enamel. Eating food or drinking a beverage high in sugar will make your teeth more sensitive because of the acid’s dissolving ability.
Avoiding Tooth Sensitivity
If your teeth are sensitive to sugar, there are some things you can do to avoid worsening your condition.
- Avoid acidic foods.
- Stay away from sugary drinks.
- Eat fewer baked goods and candies.
- Don’t snack on sugary foods between meals.
- Brush your teeth regularly and floss once a day.
- Visit your dentist every six months to maintain good oral health.
If you have already gotten your teeth professionally cleaned, your dentist may recommend getting a mouth guard to wear while you sleep. If you have teeth sensitive to sugar, try to eat a balanced diet low in sugar and carbohydrates. Consider drinking enough water daily to stay hydrated. Also, try chewing sugar-free gum after meals if your teeth are sensitive to sugar.
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
There are many treatments that your dentist can offer you to relieve the sensitivity caused by eating sweets, acids, or both.
Baking soda and water
Dip a clean toothbrush into a mixture of baking soda and water and brush as you would normally. This will help clean your teeth, remove stains, and ease sensitivity.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Many kinds of toothpaste are formulated for sensitive teeth. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can make sensitivity worse.
Brushing your teeth and flossing
The best way to fight tooth sensitivity is to avoid it in the first place by brushing and flossing regularly.
Visit your dentist regularly
Visit your dentist when you notice any changes in the overall health of your teeth. If you’ve already developed some tooth decay, there are treatments that your dentist can offer you to relieve the pain caused by eating sweets, acids, or both.
Visit Your Dentist at Tabor Dental Associates So You Can Enjoy Your Treats
Quality and sophistication should not imply less relatability and personalization. At Tabor Dental Associates, we’ve built a clinic that gives patients the comprehensive, state-of-the-art care they want and deserve, along with the reliable small-town values they expect.
What may be surprising is that we accomplish all of this in a pleasant and relaxed setting. The fact that we offer high-quality dental care and have signed guitars in each patient room shows how much we care.
We have become one of the most esteemed and well-regarded dentists in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and the greater Nashville region by basing our business on professionalism, enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment. Make an appointment now to see how we combine art, science, and trust with every patient we see.
