What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a sharp dental condition characterized by unexpected pain when consuming cold, hot, acidic, or sweet foods and beverages. Discomforting sensations can also emerge during brushing or flossing. This may occur when the outer tooth surface, called enamel, is worn away so that the dentin becomes exposed.

Causes of Sensitivity to Sweet or Sugary Foods 

If you wonder, “Why my teeth hurt when I eat sweet?”, examine the list of potential underlying oral health issues:

• Enamel loss. Tooth enamel can wear away over time and provoke sugar tooth sensitivity. The risk of enamel loss heightens if you consume foods rich in sugar, carbonated drinks, and alcohol. Certain healthy foods, including lemons, oranges, and vinegars, can also promote enamel wear.

• Brushing your teeth the wrong way. If you brush too vigorously or move a toothbrush from side to side, it can wear down the enamel. Cleaning between teeth properly can contribute to healthy enamel.
• Cavities. Sugary foods can penetrate tiny openings in the tooth enamel called cavities and cause a twinge. It’s vital to maintain good oral hygiene and to fix cavities with tooth fillings on time.
• Gum recession. Receding gums expose tooth roots, enhancing their sensitivity to sugar. This may happen with age or due to harmful habits such as smoking and harsh tooth brushing.

• Gingivitis. Bacterial infection can lead to gum disease and the formation of plaque and tartar, making your gums and teeth sensitive to sugar.
• Teeth whitening. This cosmetic dental procedure can increase tooth tenderness, but the sensations commonly cease after several days. If you want to make your teeth several shades brighter, a modern dental technology called Zoom teeth whitening may be a better solution than conventional methods. It implies using ultraviolet light and acid-free gel to destroy stubborn pigmentation.
• Bruxism. Uncontrolled tooth grinding can significantly weaken tooth enamel and make your teeth hurt after eating sugar. 

It is reasonable not to theorize on the possible diagnosis and schedule an appointment with a qualified dentist to clarify the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity and work on the problem solution.

Symptoms of Sweet Tooth Sensitivity

From understanding “Why are my teeth sensitive to sugar?”, let’s proceed to the signs of overly sensitive teeth:

• Sharp, fleeting toothache after eating sweets;
• Discomfort when enjoying sugary foods or beverages;
• Heightened sensitivity to hot temperatures;
• Dull pain centered in certain areas of your oral cavity;
• Painful sensations when breathing in cold air or consuming icy drinks.

Tooth sensitivity symptoms can instantly disappear when you’re done with sweet treats, but it doesn’t mean you should neglect the discomforting condition.

How to Fix Teeth Sensitivity to Sugar 

Enduring tooth sensitivity is a painful experience, but certain tips can help improve the situation.

Treatment 

Treatment for sensitive teeth varies individually, depending on the reason for the sensitivity and the severity of the symptoms. Learn the possible options:

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste. Its ingredients are designed to block the pain sensors in the oral cavity that can make a tooth sensitive to sweets. Consistent use can help the nerves in your teeth gradually develop a mild resistance to factors that trigger tenderness.
• Gum grafts to cover recession. When there’s a substantial loss of gum tissue, a dentist may recommend surgical intervention. 
• Professional desensitizing treatment. It should also be agreed upon with your lead dentist.
• Tooth fillings. Existing holes in tooth enamel open the way to bacteria and acid to enter the soft dentin inside. This can result in sharp, sudden pain when you eat or drink sugar-containing products. A dentist can seal the cavity with a tooth filling, reducing enamel sensitivity.

It’s crucial to timely define the cause to settle on the appropriate treatment and successfully manage the condition.

Prevention

The prevention won’t be superfluous, especially at the initial tooth sensitivity stages:

• Restrain your sugar intake. Pay special attention to products with added sugar, such as bread, ketchup, soups, etc. You may unintentionally consume 24 teaspoons of added sugar daily, as stated by the National Cancer Institute. 
• Master your brushing technique. A gentle technique complemented by a soft-bristle toothbrush will help diminish discomfort and avert cavities. 
• Choose sugarless sweet alternatives. Sugar substitutes such as xylitol, stevia, or erythritol can help you satisfy cravings for sweets and prevent tooth sensitivity. You can use them to sweeten foods and beverages. As a bonus, xylitol and erythritol can diminish the risk of cavities, while stevia doesn’t promote the growth of acid-producing bacteria.
• Limit the consumption of acidic drinks. Soda, alcohol, and citrus juice can worsen tooth sensitivity to sugar. 

The best way to protect your teeth from pain while eating sugar or fix the existing discomforting issue is to address a credible dental office. The doctor will help you pick the most fitting products to manage sensitive teeth and explain how to adjust your oral health care routine. Timely professional advice will save you money and energy on futile homemade experiments, some of which can only exaggerate the sensitivity.

Final Thoughts 

Having a sweet tooth and sensitive teeth simultaneously is a combination not to be envied. It’s better to prevent your teeth from hurting by adopting several healthy habits and consuming sweet treats in moderation. If tenderness accompanies your every sugar intake, schedule an appointment with a qualified dentist to recognize the underlying cause, agree on a suitable treatment, and keep your teeth pain-free. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Tooth Sensitivity

Additional Resources

• Examine the results of a Study of the Relief of Tooth Sensitivity of an Experimental Mouthrinse Device to see how home care affects the treatment efficiency.
• If your case is not severe or you approached the condition at its onset, you might benefit from non-surgical management of tooth hypersensitivity.