If you are wondering, “why does eating sweets make my teeth hurt?” it’s not the universe being cruel. There are many legitimate, medical reasons why sugary foods might make your teeth sensitive!
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ToggleWhy Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat?
Are you ever treating yourself to a decadent slice of cheesecake or a chewy caramel when you’re suddenly interrupted by an oral toothache after eating sweets? Not to be a pain (pun intended), but having a sweet tooth and poor dental hygiene can cause tooth sensitivity to sugar.
Tooth sensitivity usually presents as a sharp, shooting sensation when you bite into something sweet or cold. If you’re one of the many people who experience sensitivity in their teeth, you know the feeling is typically only temporary and subsides after you finish eating.
Are you racking your brain, asking yourself, “why do my teeth hurt when I eat sweets?” Then, we have some solutions to ease or even eliminate your tooth pain when eating sugar.
There are many causes and reasons for why your tooth hurts when eating sweets, but some of the leading causes include:
- Brushing your teeth too aggressively
- Indulging in too many sugary treats
- Overeating acidic foods
How Does Eating Sugar or Eating Sweets Affect My Teeth?
So, if you were wondering, “does sugar do damage to sensitive teeth?” the answer is yes. By eating sugary sweets, you may cause damage by wearing down the tooth enamel and exposing the sensitive layers underneath this barrier. Unfortunately, over time, that sweet tooth will longer feel so sweet.
Cavities are another major side effect of eating too much sugar or overeating dessert frequently.
Keep reading below to learn more about the causes and solutions for tooth pain when eating sweets. Please note, we do recommend consulting your dentist or another medical professional for more information on your individual health!
How Can I Improve My Teeth’s Sensitivity to Sweets?
Keep your smile healthy by using preventative measures to take great care of teeth sensitive to sugar. Below are some of the ways you can avoid tooth pain from sweets:
- Brush up, boss!
- Be the boss of your oral hygiene. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with medium pressure to prevent gum disease and cavities. Cavities are sugar sensitivity teeth’s worst nightmare. The bacteria that thrive in your mouth create a substance called plaque, which breaks down tooth enamel. This weakened surface allows bacteria to enter the tooth and create cavities. Unlike teeth sensitivity, a cavity leaves a more achy, long-lasting pain in your tooth. If you continue to go overboard on the sugary snacks without proper dental care, you may expose the root of your teeth to dentin hypersensitivity.
- Skip the sensitive sensation.
- We all want a beautiful, bright white smile, and teeth whitening might seem like one of the best oral care tips. However, did you know that teeth whitening products can often cause teeth hurting? The hydrogen peroxide in the whitening process gives you a sparkling smile over time, can sometimes make your teeth more sensitive. When the peroxide reaches the dentin inside, it can cause sensitivity, which is exacerbated when you eat dessert. If you are wondering, “why does eating sweets make my teeth hurt?” then you might have your answer!
- Go easy on the gums.
- Did you know there’s more to dental health than just your teeth? Make sure you are giving your gums a bit of love, too. Periodontal health also suffers if you don’t brush your teeth frequently enough or if you use your toothbrush too vigorously. If you start feeling increased sensitivity by the base of your teeth, you may be suffering from receding gums. The root of your tooth is generally covered up by tissue, and if that tissue breaks down, that protection is no longer in place. This means that your teeth could ache when exposed to cold water, certain kinds of sensitive tooth toothpaste, hot beverages, and yes… sweets! If you suspect this is the problem, get a dental checkup or see a periodontist for a consultation.
Oral Health Tips for Sensitive Teeth
What if we told you that you can have your slice of cake and eat it too? Here are a few things you can do to minimize sensitivity, so you can enjoy your treats pain-free.
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. While it won’t solve the problem, a special toothpaste can help lessen the severity of your sensitivity. These types of toothpaste create dentil tubules that toughen the dentin’s exterior.
- Get cavities filled immediately. Leaving cavities untreated can lead to more serious problems like infections or eventually full root canals. Both of which are avoidable if you prioritize regular visits with your dentist. If you have dental implants (preventative) or need cosmetic dentistry, it’s even more important to schedule regular dental check-ups.
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations. If you have significant tooth decay, your enamel might require dental bonding. While this process might sound intense, the results are natural-looking teeth with a protective coating. This treatment can help make patients more comfortable while eating cold or sweet foods.
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease are common dental conditions characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, which can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and increased tooth sensitivity to sweets.
Which Sweets Should You Skip to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity?
If eating sweets hurts tooth, try avoiding:
- Hard candies
- Gummy or sticky sweets
- Sugary drinks like carbonated sodas
- Sweet and acidic beverages like orange juice
Removing these from your diet altogether can help significantly with teeth health and sensitivity. If you do choose to eat them, do so sparingly.
A Dentist Who’s Sensitive to Your Needs
If you’ve been frustrated (and uncomfortable!) wondering, “why do I have sensitive teeth?” it may be time to seek out a dentist who can help you find comfort.
In addition to keeping your teeth clean at home with regular brushing and flossing, you’ll ensure optimal oral health by visiting a highly trained and experienced dentist like Dr. Josh Bratt and our team in Rockville Centre, New York. Dr. Bratt will help you with answers to questions like, “why do my teeth hurt when I eat?”
Are you ready for a happy and healthy smile? Contact us for a consultation today tooth whitening treatments!