Why Are My Teeth Sugar Sensitive?

When we eat something sugary, our teeth will inevitably be exposed to sugar. Besides the sweet sensation, sugar also causes pain and discomfort. About 40% of adults in the US are hypersensitive to sugar or have a heightened sensitivity to it.

This is mainly because most foods containing natural sugars also have other pre-processing ingredients like fructose syrup or corn syrup, which intensify their sweetness and impact on teeth.

This article will explain why your teeth may be sensitive to sugar, what causes sensitivity, and how you can combat this problem at home.

What Happens When You Eat Sugar?

When eating sugary food, your teeth first come into contact with the food particles. They will come into direct contact with the enamel on the teeth. The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth that protects them from bacteria, water, and other elements.

After a while, the enamel will become demineralized, removing minerals like calcium and phosphorous from the teeth. When the demineralization of the enamel progresses, your teeth become more sensitive.

This is because demineralization will expose the dentin, the second layer of the teeth. Dentin is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and acidic and sugary substances.

The Science Behind Sensitive Teeth

The sensitivity of the teeth can be explained using the tactile system. The tactile system is responsible for relaying information about touch sensations at the surface of the teeth. The tactile system also communicates any discomfort or pain.

The tactile system consists of a network of nerves and receptors located along the teeth. The tactile system is composed of three main components:

• The teeth are covered with a thin layer of enamel. The enamel is a non-living tissue. Enamel is the hardest substance found in the human body. Enamel is made up of minerals, water, and proteins.

The main mineral found in the enamel is calcium phosphate. This mineral makes up 90% of enamel and gives it hardness.

• The dentin is a slightly softer tissue covering the roots of the teeth. The dentin is softer than the enamel because it has less mineral content. Dentin mainly consists of collagen, a protein that makes the tissue flexible.
• The third component of the tactile system is the pulp. The pulp is a soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. The presence of blood vessels and nerves in the pulp makes the teeth feel pain.

Factors Causing Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it is simply a sign of age or wear and tear on the teeth. In other cases, though, the teeth may be sensitive because of a health problem that has been going on for a while. Several factors can cause tooth sensitivity, including:

Unhealthy Diet

Tooth sensitivity is caused by exposure to excessive amounts of sugar, especially when combined with other oral irritants like acidic drinks, cigarettes, and too much brushing. When the teeth are exposed to these substances, the teeth’s second layer becomes sensitive.

Bacteria

Bacteria can build up on the teeth and gums, causing them to swell and allowing toxins to seep into the bloodstream. When the teeth are too sensitive to brush, the gums usually swell up to the point where they push against the teeth, triggering a toothache.

Medication Side Effects

Some medications are known to cause tooth sensitivity, especially those that contain painkillers, sleep aids, and anti-diarrheal medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, check with your doctor to see if they may be causing your tooth sensitivity.

Irregularity of the Teeth

An irregularity in your bite or the spacing between your teeth can pressure specific nerves in the mouth and cause tooth sensitivity.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouths can make conditions such as dry mouth and xerostomia more likely to occur. This happens when the tissues in the mouth start to shrink because they aren’t getting enough moisture from saliva. This can lead to discomfort in the mouth and increased tooth sensitivity.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If your mouth isn’t being cleaned by brushing and flossing regularly, this could be another factor that causes tooth sensitivity.

Ways To Relieve Tooth Sensitivity

Avoid Overly Sweet Foods

The first thing you can do if your teeth are sensitive is reduce the sugar in your diet. Not only will this help with sensitivity, but it also has other health benefits.

Brush Your Teeth More

Sensitive teeth are more susceptible to bacteria, so it is essential to keep them clean. You should also be careful when brushing your teeth, because you can make them even more sensitive if you brush too hard.

Consume Calcium-rich Foods

Calcium is an essential mineral that is found in our teeth. Therefore, eating foods high in calcium, such as dairy products and vegetables, is recommended.

Go For Sensitivity-Relieving Mouthwash

Besides eating calcium-rich foods, you should also use mouthwashes that are specially designed for people who have sensitive teeth.

Consult Your Dentist

If your tooth sensitivity continues even after you’ve tried the methods above, it is best to visit your dentist. Your dentist can tell you if there are any cavities or other tooth problems. They can also recommend the best treatment for your sensitive teeth.

Get a Dental Crown

If you have tooth decay, a toothache, or if you have tried everything and nothing has worked for you, you can get a dental crown. 

Dental Crowns Can Help You Stop Sugar Sensitivity

Dental crowns or caps are a great way to stop tooth sensitivity from progressing. Crowns are commonly placed when you have a cavity, trauma, or when a tooth is severely decayed.

Crowns are designed to protect your teeth from further damage. They also make your teeth less sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and sugary substances. Crowns can be made from materials like gold, porcelain, and zirconia.

The material used to make the crown will depend on the condition of your teeth. Crowns are excellent for treating tooth sensitivity caused by tooth decay or tooth wear. However, if you have teeth that are too sensitive to even hot or cold liquids, you may need a root canal treatment or a dental filling.

Visit Your Dentist At A.R.C. Dental Health So You Can Enjoy Your Treats

If you’re looking for a way to check your teeth, A.R.C. Dental Clinic is the place to go. Not only do we have the most advanced technology at our disposal, but we are also dedicated to providing exceptional treatment. As such, there is no better way to enjoy your favorite treats than by visiting us!

We have everything you need to make any visit enjoyable, including comfortable chairs and warm smiles to greet you whenever you walk through our doors. We also treat all our patients like family (because they are), so you can rest assured that we will go above and beyond to ensure you are happy and comfortable throughout every visit.

We also try to deliver the finest dental experience possible at ARC Dental Health by getting to know the person behind the smile. We also make the following guarantees to each of our patients:

• To treat you as you would want to be treated.
• To be considerate of your time.
• Our therapy will be minimally invasive and cautious.
• Not only will we give treatment, but we will also share our dentistry expertise with you.
• To provide you with the knowledge you need to keep your teeth and smile healthy for a lifetime.

Meet the team if you want to get to know us! You can also take a look at our services to see which dental treatments are available in our clinic. You can visit us at 1000 Lakes Dr., # 405, West Covina, CA 91790, USA.

Book an appointment with us now!

Wrapping Up

Sugar-sensitive teeth can be incredibly annoying and painful. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to treat tooth sensitivity. You can avoid overly sweet foods, brush your teeth more, and eat more calcium-rich foods.

You can also go for sensitivity-reducing mouthwashes or visit A.R.C. Dental Health for a dental crown. Stopping sugar sensitivity with dental crowns is a great way to protect your teeth from further damage. With these tips, you can finally be free from the pain of sugar-sensitive teeth.

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