Have you ever bitten into a piece of cake and felt a sudden jolt of pain in your tooth?
Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and worthy of evaluation by a dentist. Many people notice their teeth ache, experience pain when eating, or say “it hurts when I eat” after consuming sugary foods. But is the sugary cake icing really to blame for oral discomfort, or does it just hurt when eating sweets?
The answer is yes. Sugar is famously harmful to your teeth. Sometimes, sugar hurt can occur as a sudden jolt of pain or discomfort when eating sweets, especially if you have sensitive teeth. However, sugar can also cause acute tooth pain if your tooth is already damaged.
Your dentist can identify the underlying dental problem and provide treatment so that sugar will not make your teeth hurt so intensely in the future. 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 damage. This leaves the more vulnerable interior exposed, where a stimulus can touch a nerve. Many people find their teeth sensitive or experience sensitive teeth, particularly when consuming sugary foods, which is known as sugar sensitivity.
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. When sugar interacts with oral bacteria, it can produce acid as a byproduct of this chemical process.
The acid can then have a more painful effect when it touches the nerve within your tooth. Plaque buildup from frequent sugar exposure can further contribute to dental problems and increased sensitivity. Frequent consumption of sugary foods leads to repeated acid attacks on teeth, preventing enamel remineralization.
Sugar can also be the cause of dental erosion that leaves you at risk of tooth sensitivity. Some individuals experience sugar sensitivity or have sugar-sensitive teeth, meaning they have heightened reactions to sugar exposure.
Acidic foods and drinks, as well as sugar, can linger on your teeth after eating or drinking, deteriorating your dental structure. Additionally, certain medications can cause tooth enamel to thin out, making teeth more sensitive to sugar.
The Role of Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is your teeth’s first line of defense against tooth sensitivity and pain, especially when enjoying sugary treats or eating sweets. As the hardest substance in your body, tooth enamel forms a protective barrier over the sensitive inner layers of your teeth, shielding them from harmful bacteria, sugary foods, and acidic foods that can cause discomfort.
However, when enamel wears down due to frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene routine, or exposure to acidic foods, the sensitive dentin beneath becomes exposed. This can cause your teeth to hurt or trigger sharp pain when you eat sugar or other sweet foods.
Enamel erosion is a gradual process that can be accelerated by consuming sugary substances and not brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush or using fluoride toothpaste. When enamel is weakened, it increases the risk of tooth decay, tooth pain, and overall dental health problems.
Harmful bacteria thrive on the sugar left behind from eating sugary foods, producing acid that further erodes the enamel and leads to increased teeth sensitivity. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent enamel erosion and gum recession.
To help protect your tooth enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity, it’s important to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and consider fluoride treatments during dental visits. These steps help strengthen enamel and prevent the buildup of plaque and food particles that can contribute to enamel erosion.
Limiting sugar intake and avoiding frequent snacking on sugary treats or acidic foods can also make a significant difference in maintaining your teeth’s health. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming sugary foods can help wash away sugar and acids.
Since tooth enamel cannot be regrown once it’s lost, taking proactive steps to preserve it is essential for long-term oral health. Regular dental check-ups, a consistent oral hygiene routine, and mindful eating habits can help prevent enamel erosion and reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity and tooth pain.
For those already experiencing sensitivity, desensitizing toothpaste and certain tooth whitening treatments can help manage discomfort and improve the appearance of your smile, allowing you to enjoy your favorite sweet treat without worrying about sudden pain.
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 in response to stimulation. Then you can find relief from sensitive pain. Additionally, issues like worn fillings and a cracked tooth can also contribute to sensitivity and may require dental intervention to prevent further complications.
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. As a preventive option, dental sealants may be applied to protect teeth from sensitivity and further damage.
In cases of severe damage or tooth loss, dental implants may be considered as a restorative solution to restore function and improve oral health.
Can I Prevent Dental Erosion?
You can make efforts to avoid dental erosion and, therefore, prevent tooth sensitivity. Gum disease, gum recession, and receding gums can increase the risk of sensitivity and pain after consuming sugar. This includes limiting or avoiding excess sugar and acid in your diet.
Citrus fruits, due to their acidic nature, can also contribute to increased sensitivity. You should also maintain a good oral hygiene routine to remove food particles and other harmful substances that might weaken your teeth. Teeth grinding is another risk factor for enamel wear and sensitivity. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating sugary foods can help wash away sugar and acids.
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. Cosmetic dentistry can also help improve the appearance and function of teeth affected by sensitivity. For those with sensitivity, sugar alcohol can be a suitable alternative to sugar.