Introduction

Many people experience tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming cold, hot, acidic or sugary foods and drinks. While it can be uncomfortable or even painful, tooth sensitivity is usually easily managed. Understanding what causes sensitive teeth can help you find the right solutions.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin, the layer of tissue found underneath the hard enamel that covers the crowns of your teeth, becomes exposed. The dentin contains thousands of microscopic tubules leading to the inner soft pulp of the tooth which houses the nerve. External stimuli like heat, cold, acidic or sticky foods can flow through the tubules and reach the nerve, causing sharp temporary pain.

Over time, the enamel can wear down and recede, exposing more dentin. Some common causes of enamel erosion and sensitivity include:

• Tooth decay or cavities
• Gum disease
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Aggressive brushing
• Acidic foods and drinks like citrus, coffee, soda
• Teeth whitening treatments

When the triggers reach exposed dentin tubules, the flow of fluid inside stimulates nerve fibers, causing sensitivity. Sugary foods are common culprits, as they are acidic in nature. The high sugar content also enables cavity-causing bacteria to thrive. Let’s explore some reasons why sugary foods and drinks in particular can lead to tooth sensitivity.

High Acidic Levels

Many sugary foods and drinks have a low pH, making them acidic. Soda, energy and sports drinks, candy, baked goods with added sugar, syrups, jellies, and fruit juices fall into this category. The acidic content wears away at the enamel over time, allowing dentin underneath to show through.

Acids can also remove mineral content from tooth enamel through a process called demineralization. Enamel is made up mostly of calcium and phosphate minerals like hydroxyapatite. Acidic foods dissolve these minerals, softening the enamel structure. Saliva helps replenish lost minerals through remineralization, but frequent acid attacks inhibit this process.

The higher the acidity, the faster enamel will erode. pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being alkaline. Most sugary items have pH levels ranging from 2 to 4. For comparison, battery acid has a pH of 1! neutral distilled water has a pH of 7.

The critical pH level for tooth dissolution is 5.5. Below this point, more minerals are lost than gained. Consuming sugary foods and drinks lowers oral pH each time, promoting damage. It takes around 30 minutes for saliva to return pH to a safe level, so frequent snacking prolongs acid attacks.

Bacterial Fermentation

The bacteria in dental plaque thrive when you eat sugary foods. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food debris and saliva that constantly forms on tooth surfaces. Bacteria feed on simple carbohydrates from sweets and produce acids as a byproduct. This acid dissolves enamel and dentin, causing decay.

Common offenders are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria. The acids generated can lower the mouth’s pH to around 4.5 within minutes of eating sweets. This allows demineralization to occur and cavities to form over time. Bacteria may also irritate the pulp tissue inside teeth, making nerves hypersensitive.

Consuming excess refined carbohydrates provides unlimited food for bacteria. As they digest sugars and starches, their acidic waste builds up and demineralizes enamel. The bacteria can then penetrate dentin and infect the inner pulp chamber.

Untreated infections reach the root and destroy surrounding bone, forming dental abscesses. Root sensitivity is a common symptom of infection. Bacteria are less able to ferment complex carbs like whole grains so these foods are less likely to cause sensitivity.

Frequent Sugar Exposure

It’s not just the type of sugars and acids in sweets that cause issues, but also the frequency of exposure. Even small amounts of sugary foods and drinks throughout the day promote acid attacks. Sticky candies and dried fruits that stay longer in the mouth are more likely to cause damage.

Sipping on sugary sodas for hours bathes teeth in acid constantly. Swishing water or rinsing your mouth after eating can help counteract this effect. However, drinking water or milk alongside sugary items does not prevent enamel erosion.

Ideally, limit sugar intake to meal times only so teeth have time to recover. The American Heart Association suggests no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for women and 9 for men. One 12-oz can of soda contains around 40 grams alone over the recommended limit.

Inadequate Oral Hygiene

Good oral care is necessary to prevent cavities, enamel loss and sensitivity. When sugary foods are eaten, plaque pH quickly drops. Saliva helps neutralize it if the mouth is clean. Thorough daily brushing and flossing removes bacterial plaque before it calcifies into tartar that can only be removed at the dentist.

Brushing too forcefully and with harsh abrasives can also thin enamel over time. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and gentle motions along the gumline. Avoid brushing right after consuming acidic foods when enamel is in a softened state. This can remove more minerals.

Fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel, while antimicrobial ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride reduce plaque bacteria. Sugar alcohols like xylitol found in some mints and chewing gum inhibit bacterial metabolism and lower the potential for tooth decay. Using fluoride rinses and applying sealants on vulnerable teeth also helps protect from sensitivity.

If sugary foods are eaten as treats, be sure to brush soon after to avoid prolonged acidity and plaque buildup. Flossing is equally important as it removes decay-causing debris between teeth that brushing misses. Visit your dentist regularly to detect and treat any sensitivity and decay early before it causes lasting enamel loss.

Risk Factors for Tooth Sensitivity

Along with dietary acid and plaque bacteria, certain lifestyle factors raise sensitivity risk:

Age	As enamel naturally thins over time, older adults are more prone to recession and exposed dentin.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)	Frequent acid reflux episodes can erode tooth enamel.
Eating Disorders	Forced vomiting and acidic stomach contents contacting teeth for extended periods damages enamel.
Teeth Grinding/Clenching	This wears down enamel and fractures teeth, causing sensitivity.
Gum Disease	Inflamed gums recede from teeth, revealing sensitive root surfaces.
Tooth Whitening Treatments	The chemicals used temporarily damage enamel proteins.
Genetics	Some people naturally have thinner enamel layers.
Medications	Certain blood pressure, cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs reduce saliva flow. Dry mouth allows more acid attacks.

When to See a Dentist

While mild temperature sensitivities may come and go, more severe or persistent sensitivity should be evaluated to treat the underlying cause. Make an appointment if you experience:

• Prolonged sharp pains from hot or cold foods/drinks
• Sensitivity lasting over 2 weeks
• Pain when you bite down or chew
• Discoloration, holes or cracks visible on the tooth surface
• Gum inflammation, swelling or recession

Dentists have several tools to identify sensitivity triggers and sources:

• Dental Exam: Checking for plaque buildup, decay, cracked teeth, exposed roots and erosions.
• X-rays: Finding hidden structural issues and infections below the gumline.
• Air blast Test: Cold air sprayed on teeth identifies hypersensitive spots.
• Percussion Test: Tapping teeth with dental instruments pinpoints irritated nerves.

Based on exam findings, your dentist will determine whether sensitivity results from dietary acids, cavities, enamel loss, cracked teeth, gum recession, or dental abscesses requiring root canal therapy.

Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

Treatment will depend on what’s causing your sensitivity. Options include:

Dental Work

Cavities and defective restorations allowing hot/cold into the inner pulp are fixed with composite fillings or dental crowns. Cracked or fractured teeth may require crowns, root canals or extraction for persistent sensitivity.

Gum Surgery

Gum grafting surgery covers exposed roots for gum recession sufferers. This reduces root sensitivity and prevents further recession.

Fluoride

Fluoride varnishes, gels or antimicrobial rinses remineralize enamel and treat minor cavities. High-concentration prescription toothpastes (5000 ppm) also strengthen enamel.

Desensitizing Toothpastes

These contain active ingredients like potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride or strontium chloride to block sensitivity signals. They take regular use over weeks to work.

Bonding Agents

Applying sealants or resin coatings over exposed root surfaces provides a barrier against stimuli. These last several months before needing replacement.

Nerve Treatments

Pain relievers like potassium hydroxide can temporarily calm nerve activity in the pulp chamber. More invasive silver nitrate or formaldehyde therapies cauterize nerves but are not commonly used.

Discuss options with your dentist and use home remedies like sensitivity toothpaste, fluoride rinses, xylitol gum, and avoiding triggers until you can be seen. Catching issues early prevents more invasive procedures down the road.

Tips to Prevent Sugar-Related Tooth Sensitivity

While sugary foods are often linked to sensitivity, you don’t necessarily need to avoid them altogether if you take proper precautions:

• Limit sugary foods to mealtimes only – not while snacking throughout the day.
• Rinse your mouth with plain water after eating sweets.
• Chew xylitol gum after meals to neutralize acid and reduce bacteria.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash daily to strengthen enamel.
• If sugary foods are eaten, brush soon after to clear acid and plaque.
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush and brush gently – not harshly.
• Wait 30 minutes before brushing after consuming acidic foods/drinks.
• Drink acidic drinks like juice through a straw to bypass teeth.
• Always check food labels and choose products sweetened with less refined sugars.
• Visit your dentist regularly for exams and professional cleanings.

A healthy diet low in sugary foods and drinks is ideal. But with smart oral hygiene habits, you can still indulge your sweet tooth occasionally without tooth sensitivity. Speak to your dentist if you need help managing dietary triggers.

Food/Drink	Healthier Alternative
Soda, Energy Drinks	Sparkling water with fruit
Candy	Fresh fruit
Syrup, Honey	Agave nectar
Jelly on toast	Avocado on toast
Fruit juice	Diluted juice
Cake, Cookies	Fresh berries with Greek yogurt
Chocolate bar	Dark chocolate pieces
Ice cream	Frozen yogurt
Sour candy	Cheese
Dried fruit snacks	Nuts and seeds

When to See a Dentist

Don’t ignore ongoing sensitivity that interferes with eating or drinking daily. Work with your dentist to find solutions. Significant sensitivity may signify issues needing urgent care like infections, nerve damage, fractures, gum disease or cavities.

Catching problems early makes treatment easier. Maintain regular dental visits so your dentist can monitor your oral health and sensitivities over time. Implementing healthy diet and hygiene habits reduces the risks of permanent enamel loss and related sensitivity. With proper care, you can keep your teeth strong and comfortable for life.

The Takeaway

Tooth sensitivity is common when consuming sugary, acidic foods and drinks. High sugar levels feed acid-producing oral bacteria that erode enamel and expose sensitive dentin. Frequent snacking on sweets lowers pH levels in the mouth for extended periods, promoting damage to enamel.

Practicing good oral hygiene and limiting sugar intake can help prevent cavities, enamel loss and sensitivity. See your dentist promptly if you experience persistent or severe pain when eating hot, cold or sugary foods. Sensitivity is often easily managed with professional treatment. With the right dietary changes and care routines, you can continue enjoying your favorite treats and drinks without hypersensitive teeth.