- What’s Sugar Sensitivity?
- What Are the Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth?
- Reasons for Loss of Enamel
- Factors Causing Tooth Sensitivity
- How to Protect Your Teeth from Sensitivity
- Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
- Visit Your Dentist At Addison Family Dentistry So You Can Enjoy Your Treats
- Conclusion
When you eat sweets, your teeth may hurt or feel sensitive. This is known as dental sensitivity and can be temporary or long-lasting. When bacteria in the mouth do not properly break down sugars, it triggers a reaction that leads to tooth sensitivity.
The exact cause of this reaction is unclear, but some risk factors include genetics, jaw anatomy, oral trauma, or gum erosion. In most cases, sensitivity to sugar is temporary and is only present due to a local injury or small cavity on the tooth surface. This can heal quickly and may never reappear.
Sometimes it could be a symptom of a much bigger problem, such as untreated cavities, periodontal disease, or even tooth decay. Remember that early detection can help avoid further damage and pain.
What’s Sugar Sensitivity?
Sugar sensitivity is a dental condition where the teeth are affected by high sugar levels in the diet. Teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as the contact of the teeth with each other.
This can be embarrassing and interfere with eating, drinking, and even brushing the teeth properly. Sugar sensitivity can be caused by dental decay, certain fillings, or gingivitis.
It can also signify an infection in the gums, which are directly attached to the teeth. When you have gingivitis, bacteria can get under the gums and irritate the roots of your teeth, making them sensitive.
What Are the Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth?
The most common symptom of sensitive teeth is tooth pain triggered once you eat something sugary, like ice cream or chocolate. This can be accompanied by swelling and reddening gums around the teeth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. Brushing and flossing your teeth may become more difficult if you have sensitive teeth.
This is because your gums feel tender to the slightest touch making it harder for you to clean your mouth.
Reasons for Loss of Enamel
There are a few reasons your teeth could become more sensitive to sugar. This can be caused by a loss of enamel on the tooth, making it more susceptible to cavities and tooth sensitivity. Some of the other reasons for tooth sensitivity include:
A gum disease like gingivitis
Bad oral hygiene
Having tartar or plaque buildup on the teeth can cause them to be more prone to sensitivity.
Bad bite
If your bite is not correctly aligned, your teeth could be in constant contact with each other. This can lead to gum recession, triggering tooth sensitivity around the affected area.
Certain tooth fillings
Some materials that fill cavities, such as gold and silver, can be more susceptible to triggering sensitivity.
Overeating sugar
Consuming too many sugary foods can cause tooth decay and increase sensitivity.
Factors Causing Tooth Sensitivity
- Habits that cause tooth wear, such as grinding or clenching your jaw, are some of the top causes of tooth sensitivity.
- Tartar build-up over time can also lead to the erosion of tooth enamel, which makes a tooth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
- Specific dental procedures, such as deep cleanings or root canals, can also trigger sensitivity.
But it’s important to remember that some of these could also be signs of a more serious dental disease, like periodontal disease or a cavity that hasn’t been treated.
How to Protect Your Teeth from Sensitivity
Preventive Care
The best way to prevent sensitive teeth is to practice proper oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily is essential.
Diet
You can decrease your risk of tooth sensitivity by reducing sugary foods in your diet.
Dental Fillings
If you have had dental fillings that have triggered tooth sensitivity, you may want to visit a dentist to discuss alternative treatments.
Orthodontics
If you have braces, you may experience tooth sensitivity at some point. However, this is a common side effect and should disappear once you have finished your treatment.
Mouthwash
Squeeze a small amount of mouthwash on your toothbrush to wash away any food particles that could cause sensitivity.
Toothpaste
Specific toothpaste can help decrease the amount of sensitivity you experience, so choose a toothpaste made specifically for people with tooth sensitivity.
Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
If the cause of your tooth sensitivity is a minor cavity or erosion, it can usually be treated by restoring the tooth with a filling. In other situations, however, more extensive treatment may be needed.
For instance, if you have untreated gum disease, this could ultimately lead to tooth loss. Your dentist may also recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash to help your tooth sensitivity.
Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist may suggest you see a periodontist to address any underlying gum disease. If you have a cavity, a dental filling or even a root canal treatment may be used to save your teeth.
You can keep your teeth from being sensitive in the future by brushing and flossing regularly to avoid cavities and gum disease.
Visit Your Dentist At Addison Family Dentistry So You Can Enjoy Your Treats
Eating a good meal is one of life’s many pleasures. But for those with dental problems, that pleasure can be more complicated than it seems. When the mouth is plagued by toothaches, infections, or other pain, eating can become a chore rather than a pleasure. And if you’re not careful, even the most delicious foods can end up causing discomfort.
The best way to keep bad breath and tooth seensitivity at bay is to visit your dentist regularly at Addison Family Dentistry. We can check your gums and teeth for signs of damage and stop any problems before they get worse. Plus, regular cleanings allow us to catch any issues early on.
Keeping your smile bright, healthy, and strong is a lifelong commitment, and our dental office is here to help. If Addison Family Dentistry can make that process for you simple and stress-free, we will have accomplished one of our many goals.
Led by the lovely husband-and-wife team, Dr. Sara Saremi and Dr. Adrian De Vincenzo collaborate when it comes to patient care. This makes their approach more personalized for everyone who visits, keeping more people happy. If you’re ready to learn more about our services or wants to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
Our dentists are highly trained and skilled at everything from preventative care to cosmetic procedures like veneers and crowns. So when you visit us at 3744 Belt Line Road, Addison, TX 75001, you know you’ll receive the best service and treatment available.
Conclusion
Sugar sensitivity is a common dental condition that several different factors can trigger. Fortunately, most cases of sugar sensitivity are easily treated with a filling or dental crown.
It would help if you visit your dentist twice a year to prevent dental problems like tooth sensitivity. To keep your teeth healthy and strong, you should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
