Millions of US American adults have tooth sensitivity at some point. The specific trigger of your tooth pain—sugary, cold or hot, or hard foods—can answer the question of why you are experiencing pain. You can help protect your teeth enamel and reduce your risk of tooth sensitivity by simple actions you can take at home.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Eat Sugary Foods?
Sensitivity to sugary foods and beverages may be caused by eating high-acid foods, or by brushing your teeth too hard. Either can damage the hard outer layer of your tooth enamel, exposing the more sensitive inner layer. Exposure permits sugary foods or beverages to access your tooth’s nerve center and trigger sharp pain.
Limit consumption of foods and beverages that are high in acid. Brush your teeth gently, to avoid damage to your tooth enamel that can lead to sensitivity to sweet, cold, and hot foods.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Eat Hot or Cold Foods?
When tooth enamel becomes worn down, or gums recede from teeth, the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel is exposed. This inner layer contains microscopic tubes with cells that can trigger sharp pain when stimulated by hot or cold foods, drinks, or air. Or, a crack in the tooth’s enamel surface can expose nerves in the tooth that can trigger pain when contacted by heat or cold.
Brush teeth gently using only a soft-bristled toothbrush, to help prevent wearing down tooth enamel. Use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth and avoid highly acidic foods or beverages.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Eat Hard Foods?
A tooth that is sensitive to pressure may have structural problems. When enamel is worn away, or gums are receded from teeth, or a filling is missing, broken, or cracked, the root becomes exposed, and pain can be triggered. Tooth decay, an abscess, or damage from teeth-grinding or acidic foods can also cause pain in the tooth when biting.
If your tooth hurts when you eat hard foods, see your dentist. A desensitizing agent or protective coating, or home-use products may be prescribed. Or, your dentist may discover that you need to have a tooth refilled, a broken crown replaced, or tooth damage repaired. Decay in the pulp inside the tooth may also require removal by root canal.
For more information about teeth sensitivity, contact Arkansas Family Dental at (501) 683-8886 today to make an appointment with our friendly and helpful dental staff in Little Rock.
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