Why Teeth are Sensitive to Sugar

If your teeth hurt when eating sugary or sweet foods and/or beverages, you are not alone.  Plenty of people endure pain when eating these types of food.  The teeth hurt when eating sugary foods for varied reasons. Thankfully, you can take some actions to prevent tooth sensitivity to such tasty treats.  

Tips to prevent sensitive teeth

About Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity means hypersensitivity of the tooth's root or dentin.  Sensitive teeth can result from an array of problems including receding gums and/or periodontal disease.  Once the dentin below the outer layer of enamel is exposed, it will prove quite sensitive.

Dentin that lacks protection will permit food, acid and plaque to reach and affect the nerves in the dentin.  If you notice sweet or acidic drinks and foods spur discomfort at contact, your teeth are sensitive.  

How Sugar Affects Teeth

Just about everyone loves a sugary treat after dinner.  The dark side of sugar is its impact on the teeth as well as the rest of the body.  Sugar does not do your biology any favors yet it is particularly damaging to your pearly whites.  Sweet foods loaded with sugar wear away at the protective layer of enamel on the outsides of teeth.

Foods that are high in sugar commonly cause tooth sensitivity.  Such sweets are rife with fermentable carbohydrates.  These carbs link up with bacteria in the mouth to generate acids.  Acids play a large part in tooth enamel erosion.  The more sugar content in food, the higher the acid production.  When enamel is reduced following acid exposure, tooth decay and sensitivity hasten.

Sugar is Difficult to Remove From the Mouth

Sugar is quite the annoying substance to have in your mouth.  If you perform a quick brushing or rinsing, some harmful sugars will likely remain and spur decay.  Wait half an hour after eating your sugary treats to perform a thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth and gums.  Waiting this amount of time gives your sensitive tooth enamel an opportunity to settle down and endure the pressure from brushing without wearing away.

Reducing Tooth Sensitivity

If you believe your chompers are sensitive to sugar, you can take some actions to reduce the pain. Start out by abiding by a regular oral hygiene routine.  Use toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth so you can clean your teeth in a thorough manner without further irritating the sensitive enamel that remains.  It will also help to floss and brush your teeth after each meal.  Go ahead and put toothpaste, a toothbrush and floss in your purse, car and desk drawer.  

If sugar affects your teeth, one of the best approaches is to replace those tasty sweets with healthier snacks.  Get rid of the chocolate, cookies, brownies and candy in favor of crunchy vegetables, fruits, nuts and meat. Choose water, sugar-free tea or other sugarless drinks instead of sugary and acid-laden sports drinks, soda pop and fruit juices.  

Visit Your Dentist

If your teeth hurt when eating or drinking sugary, acidic, hot or cold foods, be sure to discuss the problem with your dentist.  This oral health expert will help you correct the problem, return your oral health to normal and eliminate the pain for good.

Call (978) 206-7077 to schedule an appointment with Northside Dental Care, PC in our Peabody dental office.