If you have sensitive teeth, eating foods that are acidic or that contain sugar can cause your teeth to feel extremely sensitive. This is due to the dentin in your teeth being sensitive to these kinds of food.
Dentin is the inner layer of your teeth between the outer enamel and pulp (the center of your tooth). When it comes into contact with acids or sugars, your nerve endings become active and send a message of pain to your brain.
Adverse reactions from certain foods usually happen when there’s exposure to a high concentration of sugar, acids, or salt. The exposure causes irritation, which leads to sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, here are some reasons why:
Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity
Too Much Sugar Is Bad For Your Teeth
Teeth routinely exposed to sugar are more likely to develop tooth decay and cavities. This is because sugar can break down the enamel on your teeth. Removing the enamel on your teeth exposes the inner layer of dentin and the tooth’s root.
And when the surrounding tissues are exposed to bacteria and plaque, it can lead to a toothache or tooth infection. A high-sugar diet can also cause your gums to recede. And the less gum tissue you have, the more likely you are to develop gum disease.
So, to protect your teeth and oral health, limit your sugar intake.
How Sugars Affect Your Teeth
When we eat any sugar, it breaks down into two components; Sucrose and Fructose.
Sucrose is the molecule that causes damage to the teeth. When sugars come into contact with the teeth’ surface, a chemical reaction results in tooth decay.
Acids Are Also Bad For Your Teeth
Acids are used in many foods, like salad dressings and lemon juice. The problem is that some of these foods get stuck inside your teeth. They can eat away at your enamel and cause damage to your teeth when not cleaned properly.
You can get protection by brushing your teeth after eating these foods to remove the acids. A diet high in acids can also lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Just like sugar, it can remove the enamel on your teeth. Teeth routinely exposed to acids should be brushed at least twice a day. Consider changing your diet to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Your Enamel Has Worn Away
When you’re still in your mother’s womb, your teeth develop a protective layer called enamel. Enamel is a mineralized protein that protects teeth from tooth decay and cavities.
If you brush your teeth twice daily and visit your dentist regularly, your chances of developing tooth decay are low. But if you don’t care for your teeth and protect them from damage, their enamel will wear away over time.
And when your enamel has worn away, acid and sugar have free reign to eat away at the dentin below. So if you’re already dealing with sensitivity, you should take extra care of your teeth. And it’s best to consult with your dentist so they can provide you with some tips.
You Have Tiny Cracks In The Surface
The enamel on your teeth is a hard substance that protects the tissue below. But when exposed to too many acids or sugary foods, it tends to crack. When the enamel on your teeth cracks, it exposes the dentin below.
And since the dentin is softer than enamel, it’s more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. If you have tiny cracks in the surface of your enamel, you should avoid highly acidic foods and drinks.
Try rinsing them off with water if foods like lemon or orange juice get on your teeth. You can also try brushing your teeth after eating or drinking to protect them from further damage.
Bacteria Are Present In The Mouth
If you’re someone who brushes their teeth regularly, you’ll be able to prevent bacteria from growing on your teeth. If you have a lot of bacteria in your mouth, you may experience tooth sensitivity from time to time.
Having harmful bacteria in your mouth may increase your teeth’ sensitivity over time. The more bacteria in your mouth, the more difficult it is to remove them from your teeth with brushing alone. So you may need to add other oral hygiene products like mouthwash or oral irrigators into your routine.
How to Prevent Sugar Damage to Your Teeth
As you can see, sugar has many damaging effects on your teeth. But there are things that you can do to protect them from sugar damage.
When brushing your teeth, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste as it can help eliminate harmful bacteria inside your mouth. This will help protect your teeth’ enamel from being eroded by the acids in your saliva.
Also, consider using mouthwash. The alcohol in mouthwash can kill some of the bacteria that might be causing damage to your teeth.
There are also chewing gums that contain xylitol. This natural sweetener has been shown to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Consider using a water irrigator. This is a great way to remove food particles and bacteria from your teeth.
Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity
If you have teeth susceptible to sugars and acids, you need to take extra care of them to prevent them from worsening.
You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist twice a year for teeth cleaning. You should also replace your toothbrush every three months and use a different brush head. You should avoid eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages as often as possible.
Visit Your Dentist At Emerald Coast Dentistry So You Can Enjoy Your Treats
The best way to enjoy treats is to visit your dentist at Emerald Coast Dental Clinic. At our state-of-the-art office, you will be able to experience the quality care that you deserve. We offer high-quality dental treatment options at affordable rates, so everyone can afford the dental care they need.
We are at 931 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. If you would like more information, please contact us today.
You can book an appointment with us online or by phone at (850) 863-1722. You should always visit your dentist at Emerald Coast Dentistry when enjoying your tasty treats.
Conclusion
Many factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity, including overeating sugar, eating too acidic foods, wearing braces, grinding your teeth, or having too much bacteria in your mouth. Sensitive teeth are prevalent, but you can reduce or stop them by rinsing your mouth with water after eating and avoiding foods that make teeth sensitive.