Tooth pain is uncomfortable and unpleasant, and many people experience this after eating or drinking items that are high in sugar.
If you are experiencing pain after consuming these products, then you probably suffer from sugar sensitivity.
Sugar sensitivity is usually a sign of damage to the teeth caused by a number of factors.
This article is going to discuss what may be causing your teeth to become sensitive to sugar, and how you can solve the problem.
What Causes Sugar Sensitivity?
If you are experiencing pain in your teeth after consuming sugary products, then this is usually a symptom of a bigger problem within your teeth.
Determining what is causing the issue is the first step in solving the problem, and there are a number of things that could be causing this.
Losing Enamel
Enamel is what protects your teeth from decay and cavities, as it forms a protective layer on the outside of each tooth. However, if this enamel begins to decay, you can begin to feel sensitivity in that particular tooth.
You may begin to feel sensitivity after consuming sugary substances, as well as hot and cold foods and drinks.
Eating Acidic Food
Acidic foods can also have a negative effect on your enamel. Foods and sauces that contain tomato in them are highly acidic, as well as pickles, cranberries, alcohol, and coffee.
Consuming these products in high doses and not brushing your teeth often enough can lead to damage to the enamel, leading to less protection of the tooth and will result in increased sensitivity and pain.
Brushing Too Hard
The way you brush your teeth also has an effect on your enamel. If you are brushing too hard, or your toothbrush has very tough bristles, this can wear away at your enamel.
Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles, and as you brush, you are brushing your teeth gently, following a circular motion rather than straight back and forth.
If you notice your bristles are bent in shape, then you know you are brushing your teeth too hard.
Cavities
If you are feeling sensitivity in your teeth when eating sugary foods, then this could be a sign of something more serious, such as a cavity.
These are areas of permanent damage to the teeth, where a tiny hole or opening has developed.
They are often the result of untreated tooth decay.
It is important to seek dental advice the minute you notice this because if left untreated, these small holes can make their way to the root of your teeth, causing even more pain.
Damage To The Tooth
Previous tooth damage can also lead to sensitivity when consuming certain foods and beverages. If they were physically damaged in an accident, or while playing sports, then this could lead to sensitivity.
People who grind their teeth at night may also experience sensitivity, as this can wear down the enamel over time, leading to damage to the teeth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can also affect your teeth, leading to sensitivity. Therefore, if you notice pain in your teeth, it could be an issue with your gums, so it is crucial that you seek the advice of your dentist, so they can determine the cause of the problem.
Teeth Whitening
Many people dream of having pearl-white teeth and will undergo teeth whitening treatments. Depending on the kind of treatment, this can cause sensitivity to sugar.
However, this is likely to fade, and your dentist should warn you about this before going through with the treatment.
How To Prevent Sensitivity To Sugar
Preventing sensitivity to sugar is all about protecting your enamel and practicing good oral hygiene. Below are a few factors for preventing this kind of sensitivity.
Be Mindful Of What You Eat
Your diet is a very important factor when it comes to the health of your teeth. If you are deficient in certain vitamins, then this could lead to weakened teeth.
Therefore, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and including foods that prevent loss of enamel is crucial. These include vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and milk.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
If you notice that your teeth hurt after eating sugary products, then a good way forward is to reduce the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume.
These will automatically prevent any damage to your enamel, as sugar can cause damage to it.
Reduce Your Intake Of Acidic Foods
As mentioned earlier in this article, acidic foods can wear away at the enamel that protects your teeth. These include foods such as pickles and citrus fruits.
Avoiding, or reducing, your intake of these foods will help protect your enamel so it can do its job of protecting your teeth.
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
Knowing what is causing your tooth sensitivity in the first place is the first step in knowing how to treat it. Once the cause is determined, there are several ways you can treat it.
Painkillers
Taking over-the-counter painkillers will help ease any pain you are feeling in your teeth, especially after eating certain meals.
Fillings
If you have a few cavities, then getting fillings in them will help solve the problem and ease the sensitivity.
The sugary and acidic products won’t come into contact with that particular area anymore, so you wouldn’t experience any discomfort.
Mouth Guard
If your enamel is wearing away because you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouth guard as you sleep will protect your teeth, so you won’t cause any damage to them. This, in turn, will reduce sensitivity.
Fluoride
Using fluoride on your teeth helps protect them from acidic and sugary foods. Therefore, purchasing a mouthwash or toothpaste that contains it really helps with sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
In summary, sensitivity to sugar is usually a symptom of a more serious problem in your teeth. If you are experiencing this, it is always best to visit your dentist, so they can determine the cause of your discomfort.
From there, you can discuss how best to solve the problem.
He has combined both of these skills to create his first company, Isopharm Limited, which became one of the top learning platforms within the dental industry.
With over 120,000 active users, he has been able to educate others in order to provide better dental care around the world.
With his expertise and work in the field, Andrew has been able to help many dental care professionals succeed in treating their patients.
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