Why do sugary foods hurt cavities in your teeth, but not salty foods? Salt in other wounds cause pain, so why not teeth?
In: 11
Tooth decay is xaused by bacteria. Those bacteria prefer sugary carbohydrates as their own food/energy source.
Tooth decay is xaused by bacteria. Those bacteria prefer sugary carbohydrates as their own food/energy source.
Tooth decay is xaused by bacteria. Those bacteria prefer sugary carbohydrates as their own food/energy source.
I’ve never had sugary food hurt. Like it does cause cavities through bacteria, but are you saying your mouth actually hurts with sugary food?
Edit: Didn’t realize I was in Eli5 so I’ll give an explanation since this is top level.
I don’t think the sugar alone would cause pain. It is likely some mixture of temperature or texture and the fact that sugary treats can be gooey or squishy and can get into cavities where it is sensitive more easily.
I’ve never had sugary food hurt. Like it does cause cavities through bacteria, but are you saying your mouth actually hurts with sugary food?
Edit: Didn’t realize I was in Eli5 so I’ll give an explanation since this is top level.
I don’t think the sugar alone would cause pain. It is likely some mixture of temperature or texture and the fact that sugary treats can be gooey or squishy and can get into cavities where it is sensitive more easily.
I’ve never had sugary food hurt. Like it does cause cavities through bacteria, but are you saying your mouth actually hurts with sugary food?
Edit: Didn’t realize I was in Eli5 so I’ll give an explanation since this is top level.
I don’t think the sugar alone would cause pain. It is likely some mixture of temperature or texture and the fact that sugary treats can be gooey or squishy and can get into cavities where it is sensitive more easily.
When the enamel decays away it exposes the dentin layer which is much more sensitive as it has little tubes connected directly to the nerve called dentin tubules. When sugary food contacts dentin osmosis causes moisture to travel from the nerve, through the dentin tubules, to the food causing pain.
When the enamel decays away it exposes the dentin layer which is much more sensitive as it has little tubes connected directly to the nerve called dentin tubules. When sugary food contacts dentin osmosis causes moisture to travel from the nerve, through the dentin tubules, to the food causing pain.
When the enamel decays away it exposes the dentin layer which is much more sensitive as it has little tubes connected directly to the nerve called dentin tubules. When sugary food contacts dentin osmosis causes moisture to travel from the nerve, through the dentin tubules, to the food causing pain.
Bacteria metabolize sugars into acid which erode teeth and cause pain. Salt works as a disinfectant removing the bacteria, reducing inflammation, and neutralizing the acid which is why it’s recommended to rinse with salt water after oral surgery.
The reason it doesn’t hurt mucosal membranes and tissue is because it’s an isotonic solution with concentrations similar to what’s found in the body. The same reason why saline is safe to give in an IV bag.
Latest Answers