Tooth pain is always displeasing. You must hate the fact that your tooth hurts while having a sweet or dessert item. Do not worry; we can help! There are solutions to combat this issue; here are some pointers about sugar sensitivity, its treatment, and prevention to stop it from getting worse.
5 possible reasons for sugar sensitivity
If your tooth hurts while eating sweets, it means that you suffer from sugar sensitivity. The pain also serves as a marker for much more troublesome oral conditions like weak enamel, exposed roots, infection of gums, etc.
Loss of enamel
Enamel is the outermost, hard, protective layer of your tooth that prevents cavities and tooth decay. There are two causes why the enamel starts to wear off
Rigorous brushing
Proper brushing technique with an appropriate soft bristle toothbrush is important since hard brushing due to abrasion can fade away the enamel. This leads to the exposure of sensitive parts of the tooth, which hurts when sweets or other items are eaten.
Increased intake of acidic food
Food and beverages like citrus fruits, pickles, coffee, or tea have higher acidic content, which, when consumed, wears away the top layer making the tooth prone to sensitivity.
Cavities
It is the next step if loss of enamel is not treated on time. Suppose your tooth hurts when eating sweets; it is much likely that you have a cavity. It develops a hole that exposes the tooth’s sensitive layers underneath, ultimately hurting when sweets are eaten because they contact the nerve and stimulate pain.
Gum Disease
Gum disease not only affects the gums but has an impact on oral health in general. Receding gums can expose the nerve ending embedded in the root. When sugar comes in contact with that tooth, it starts to hurt.
Tooth Damage
A traumatic experience can cause physical injury to the tooth, which is most likely to sensitize it.
People with anxiety often grind their teeth that destroy the topmost layer of their teeth, stimulating pain in response to cold or hot beverages and sweets too!
Teeth Whitening Agents
They contain lightening agents, like bleach, which seep inside the tooth enamel causing pain.
Treatment
Use of fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is the most effective ingredient when it comes to sensitivity. It not only resists the negative effects of acidic food intake but also helps to revive the enamel.
Sealants
They prevent tooth decay and seal where needed to cover exposed areas, preventing food debris accumulation.
Fillers
They fill the cavities that expose tooth roots which may cause a sharp sting when sweet/dessert items come in contact with them.
OTC painkillers
For prompt treatment of pain, multiple over-the-counter drug options are available to choose from e.g., NSAIDs
Mouth guards
These protect your teeth from abrasion if you have grinding problems.
Prevention
Few useful methods to prevent sensitivity
Better brushing technique
Dentists do not recommend brushing with force; instead, softer, circular motion for brushing is recommended.
Use of soft bristle toothbrush
Less abrasion would help in the reduction of wear and tear to the enamel.
Be mindful of what you eat
Acidic or high sugar content items should be avoided.
Do not use teeth whitening methods more than once a week
They contain ingredients harmful to the enamel.
If you still feel that your tooth hurts when eating sweets, then it’s probably best that you schedule an appointment and seek a dentist’s help. At Mission Bend Family Dentistry, we give each patient proper consultation and treatment options. Give us a call at 832 895 5110 for more information and discussion.