Have you ever bitten into a piece of cake and felt a jolt of pain in your tooth? Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and worthy of evaluation by a dentist. But is the sugary cake icing really to blame for oral discomfort?
The answer is yes. Sugar is famously harmful to your teeth. But sugar can also cause acute tooth pain if your tooth already suffers from dental damage.
Your dentist can find the underlying dental problem and provide treatment so that sugar will not make your teeth hurt so intensely going forward. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about how to stop tooth pain stemming from sugar consumption.
Why Can Sugar Cause Tooth Pain?
Dentists refer to the acute sharp pain you might notice when a stimulus touches your tooth as tooth sensitivity. It occurs when the enamel, the outer layer of your tooth, thins, weakens, or sustains some type of damage. This leaves the more vulnerable interior exposed where a stimulus can touch a nerve.
If food or another item touches this nerve, you can feel pain that fades upon the removal of the item. Sugary treats can prove to be a more triggering stimulus than other foods because sugar turns acidic when it reacts with your saliva. The acid can then have a more painful effect when it touches the nerve within your tooth.
Sugar can also be the cause of dental erosion that leaves you at risk of tooth sensitivity. Acidic foods and drinks and sugar can linger on your teeth after eating or drinking, deteriorating your dental structure.
How Can I Resolve Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth enamel cannot repair itself, but your dentist can help you treat tooth sensitivity. First, the dentist will need to evaluate the severity of your dental damage and diagnose the cause of the erosion. Then they can offer treatment.
In mild cases of dental erosion, a dentist might suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste. This product features ingredients that can block nerves from sending pain signals upon stimulation. Then you can find relief from sensitivity pain.
Your dentist might also replace weakened enamel with a dental crown. This ceramic cap can cover the surface of a tooth, stopping stimulants from reaching exposed nerves. You can restore the tooth’s structure while alleviating discomfort this way.
Can I Prevent Dental Erosion?
You can make efforts to avoid dental erosion and therefore prevent tooth sensitivity. This includes limiting or avoiding excess sugar and acid in your diet. You should also adhere to a good oral hygiene routine to get rid of food particles and other harmful substances that might weaken your teeth.
Visit your dentist for routine check-ups as well. They ensure your teeth remain strong enough to resist tooth decay and can find and treat dental issues before you feel symptoms like tooth sensitivity.