If you have a sweet tooth, you may be disheartened to find out that eating or drinking sweets can damage your teeth as well as cause discomfort to sensitive teeth. If you eat sugar often and don’t practice good oral hygiene, you may face unpleasant oral health symptoms and issues down the road.
Sweets to Avoid
While sugar is never good for your teeth, some sweets are more damaging than others, including:
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Hard candies and cough drops:
these sweets stay in the mouth for a long time, generating many acids that coat your teeth.
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Gummies and other sticky goodies:
gummy bears, dried fruit, and honey all stick to your teeth, giving bacteria lots of time to infect your teeth.
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Carbonated drinks:
not only is soda full of sugar, but it is also acidic and sticky!
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Orange juice:
orange juice is high in sugar and natural citric acid, contributing to tooth erosion.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity to Sweets
There are numerous causes of increased sensitivity when it comes to sweets, such as:
Enamel loss:
if you regularly munch on sugary foods, you may have an excess amount of acid in your mouth, which can lead to the erosion of your tooth enamel. Enamel protects your teeth, and when this is damaged, it makes your teeth more susceptible and sensitive to outside stimuli.
Tooth decay:
excessive acid in your mouth can also lead to cavities. Once your enamel has worn away, it leaves space for bacteria to enter the soft dentin of your teeth and cause cavities. If not filled, these cavities can cause a lot of pain, and if sugary substances enter them, they can cause a sudden jolt of pain.
Gum disease:
overtime, plaque build-up can lead to gum disease. Inflamed, sore gum tissue can increase tooth sensitivity because it can cause your tooth roots to be exposed.
Teeth whitening:
if you have recently received teeth whitening in Dryden, it is not abnormal for you to experience tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening is often temporary and should subside within a few days after treatment.
Receding gums:
your gums are made to protect the roots of your teeth. When you age, you may have gum recession which exposes these roots leading to sensitivity.
Treatments
If you notice that you are experiencing tooth sensitivity when eating sweets, you should visit a dental clinic in Dryden for a check-up. Depending on your condition, your dentist may recommend any of the following:
Sensitivity toothpaste:
this works by coating the dentin in your teeth and protecting it.
Dental bonding:
if you have severely eroded tooth enamel, your Dryden dentist may recommend dental bonding in which a tooth-colored resin material is bonded to your teeth.
Tooth fillings:
if any cavities are found, your dentist may offer you fillings to address the problem.
Prevention
To keep your teeth healthy and pain-free when enjoying sugary treats, do the following:
- Avoid eating sugar regularly
- Consider quitting smoking or chewing tobacco products
- Brush and floss daily
- If you eat a lot of sugary foods, brush your teeth after each meal
- Visit a dental clinic near you twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups
It is important to take good care of your oral hygiene to enjoy optimal oral health for as long as possible. At Kinizsi Dental, your oral health is of the utmost importance to us. If you are struggling with tooth sensitivity, please feel free to contact our clinic today to book a consultation with one of our highly trained dental professionals.