How Teeth Become Sensitive to Sugars
Posted on 12/9/2019 by Office |
 Our teeth are made up of three layers: The pulp (innermost layer), the dentin (middle layer), and the enamel (the outermost later). Our enamel is, usually, the only visible part of the tooth and, often, has a whitish color. Enamel is quite strong, but is susceptible to damage over time.
Bacterial decay is a more common cause of enamel damage, though abrasion (caused by brushing too hard, using abrasive toothpastes, and including the grinding of teeth, or “bruxism”), and erosion (via excessive intake of acidic foods and drinks), can also cause damage to the enamel.
No matter the cause of the damage, when enamel wears away, it can expose dentin. There are tiny tubes within dentin that lead directly to the pulp of the tooth. This area of the tooth is full of sensitive nerves. When these nerves become irritated, by excess heat, cold, sugar, sweet, or even salty foods, they can cause pain within the tooth.
Preventing Sugar Sensitivity
Maintaining routine dental hygiene is necessary to prevent damage to the enamel. Floss every day, to remove food particles lodged between the teeth. Brush with a soft bristle brush, and make sure not to brush too hard. Treat your teeth and gums with a gentle touch, but make sure to get every bit of your mouth clean that you can.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating, to dislodge any bits of food stuck in crevices. These bits will feed harmful bacteria, leading to plaque build-up and tooth decay. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, it's good to catch food particles before they've had any chance of feeding harmful bacteria.
Use a non-abrasive toothpaste—our dentists can recommend the best products for everyday use. It is also a good idea to have a mouth guard made, in case you grind your teeth during the day or night. Our dentists can assess any damage caused by grinding teeth and have a custom mouth guard made for you.
If you notice your teeth have become sensitive to sugar, please give us a call!
|
|
