Why does my teeth hurt when I eat sweet stuff?

This blogpost will answer the question: why does my teeth hurt when I eat sweet stuff? And will include the following topics:Causes of Sugar Sensitivity

How it feels

Effects of Sugar on Teeth

Sugar is Difficult to Remove From the Mouth

Sweets to avoid

How Can I Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

How Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity to Sugar?

When to see a dentist

Why does my teeth hurt when I eat sweet stuff?

Teeth may hurt while eating something sweet because of tooth sensitivity. Sugary foods and drinks can harm teeth, leaving them more prone to sensitivity.

Sweet foods and beverages can also produce pain or discomfort in teeth that have become sensitive.

Causes of Sugar Sensitivity

Damage to teeth can cause increased sensitivity to sugar. There are a number of causes:

Enamel (dentin) loss

Fermentable carbohydrates can be found in sugary meals and drinks. Acid is created when fermentable carbohydrates combine with pathogenic bacteria in the mouth. If the acid is not washed or brushed away, it dissolves minerals from the tooth enamel, causing erosion.The loss of enamel makes teeth vulnerable and more sensitive to stimuli.

Saliva includes minerals that aid in the restoration of minerals to tooth enamel. However, if you continually munch on sweets like chocolate candies, your saliva has limited possibilities to restore the minerals that tooth enamel requires.

Tooth decay (cavities)

Plaque is a sticky film that develops on teeth and underneath gums due to bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugar.

Tooth enamel is demineralized as a result of plaque’s acid content. Bacteria and acid are able to infiltrate teeth once the enamel has worn away, reaching the sensitive dentin inside.

Cavities are caused by tooth decay. Cavities begin as holes in the enamel of the teeth. They grow larger and deeper if they aren’t filled. Sugary foods, fluids, acid, and germs may all get into a cavity and cause jolting, sharp pain.

Gingivitis (gum disease)

Gum disease can be caused by plaque accumulation. Tartar forms when plaque hardens on teeth. Gums can be irritated by tartar and plaque, resulting in:

inflammation

infection

swelling

bleeding

Inflamed, sore gum tissue can increase tooth sensitivity because of exposure of the tooth’s roots, which contain nerve endings.

Receding gums

The purpose of your gums is to cover the bone and preserve the base of each tooth. Your gums may recede as you become older, exposing the roots of your teeth.

Gum recession can be accelerated by smoking cigarettes and brushing your teeth too hard.Gum disease and poor dental hygiene also have a significant influence..

Tooth-whitening treatments

To lighten stains, tooth whiteners employ a chemical such as hydrogen peroxide.

To be successful, the peroxide must penetrate the tooth and reach the dentin on the inside. This might result in increased tooth sensitivity.

Incorrect Brushing

Many people have bad brushing habits. One of the most common mistakes individuals make is not changing your brush enough times. A toothbrush should be replaced every three or four months to avoid inflicting any harm to your teeth. Another common blunder is cleaning their teeth with a hard bristle brush.

Mouth Trauma

It’s not difficult for your mouth to suffer from trauma, with afflictions such as chipped teeth or even fractured teeth. Both of these can be responsible for your Dentin Hypersensitivity. If your teeth suffer any trauma, have them examined as soon as possible by a local dentist. 

A poor diet

Poor eating habits can be a major factor in a case of Dentin Hypersensitivity. 

How it feels

If you have sensitive or damaged teeth, eating sweets may cause a variety of sensations to occur in your mouth and face. They include:

tingling

aching

sharp, stabbing, intense pain

referred pain in your sinuses, eyes, or along the side of your face

Effects of Sugar on Teeth

Although sweet foods are delicious, they can harm your teeth by eroding the protective enamel. Sweet meals, particularly those heavy in sugar, are a common cause of dental sensitivity. Many people crave sweets even though they are high in fermentable carbohydrates, which interact with bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. These acids promote the deterioration of the enamel. And the higher the sugar level of the diet, the more acid is produced. Tooth decay is the end outcome of enamel loss, and if you continue to eat these items, the same sweet flavour might re-trigger the pain it caused.

Sugar is Difficult to Remove From the Mouth

Sugar is a really unpleasant substance to have in your tongue. Even if you clean or rinse your teeth quickly, some toxic sugars may likely linger and promote decay. Wait 30 minutes after consuming your sweet delights before cleaning and flossing your teeth and gums thoroughly. Waiting this period of time allows your sensitive tooth enamel to settle down and withstand brushing pressure without wearing away.

Sweets to avoid

Eating and drinking sweets can cause discomfort in teeth that are damaged or that have become highly sensitized.

Some of the worst offenders include:

Hard candies and cough drops

Sucking sweets remain in the mouth for an extended period of time, creating an acid bath for the teeth.

Gummy or sticky sweets

Gummy bears, frosting, dried fruit, and honey all adhere to teeth, allowing germs to flourish.

Orange juice

Although it may not appear to be the greatest culprit, orange juice is heavy in sugar as well as naturally occurring citric acid, which can damage teeth further.

Carbonated soft drinks

Colas and other sodas are not only full of sugar, but they’re also acidic.

How Can I Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

You may treat tooth sensitivity in a number of different ways. Because the treatment for sugar sensitivity may vary depending on the reason, it’s necessary to understand why you’re sensitive to sugar in the first place.

Painkillers

When you have a sugar sensitivity, over-the-counter pain relievers can assist to alleviate the acute pain. Taking a pain reliever if your teeth hurt during or after meals might help relieve the discomfort.

Mouthguard

A mouthguard worn at night can help protect your teeth from injury if you grind your teeth, which eats away at the enamel.

Fillings

If you have cavities, filling them might make you feel less sensitive. The sugar would no longer be able to make direct touch with the decaying area. It is in the best interest of the tooth’s health to get it filled as soon as feasible.

Sealants

Sealants are a type of dental sealant that can help protect your teeth from deterioration. They protect your teeth from food and plaque by sealing the susceptible spots. They are most commonly found on children’s molars, although they can also be beneficial to adults.

Fluoride

Fluoride strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to acidic foods and sweets. It aids in the remineralization of the enamel, which enhances its health. Fluoride is available in a variety of forms, including gel and mouthwash.

Special Toothpaste

Special toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth can also help decrease your sensitivity.

How Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity to Sugar?

Sensitivity to sugar can be prevented by maintaining good oral health. This will have the added benefit of preventing enamel loss and tooth decay.

Watch What You Eat

The first step is to keep a close eye on what you consume. You may be at a higher risk for poor dental health if you eat a lot of harmful foods. Vitamin insufficiency can cause tooth decay by weakening the teeth, thus eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential. Vegetables, high-fiber meals, yoghurt, cheese, and milk are among foods that can help reduce enamel loss (and, as a result, sugar sensitivity).

Watch Your Sugar Intake

If you get tooth pain after eating sugar, another alternative is to cut back on the quantity of sugar you consume. You’ll not only be avoiding what irritates your teeth, but consuming less sugar is also good for your teeth and can help prevent cavities.

Avoid Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Avoiding these foods can help preserve your enamel for longer, decreasing the risk of cavities.

Change Brushing Habits

Brushing your teeth too vigorously might lead to tooth damage. You may need to alter your brushing technique to be more gentle, but changing your toothbrush may also help.

Change your toothpaste

If your teeth are more sensitive in general, there are toothpastes designed specifically for sensitive teeth. These should be accessible in any store that sells toothpaste. You can also talk to your dentist about it and see what he or she suggests.

Change your toothbrush

Soft bristles are the most crucial feature to look for in a toothbrush. The enamel of your teeth can be worn away by hard bristles. Soft bristles clean equally as effectively as hard brushes while protecting your enamel.

Avoid Self-Whitening Treatments

Some dental whitening procedures, particularly those that employ bleach, might cause temporary sensitivity. Treatments that can be done at home have a higher chance of not being done correctly. Inquire with your dentist about professional teeth whitening options and the best way to avoid sensitivity.

When to see a dentist

See your dentist if:

You have a toothache that persists despite using a sensitive toothpaste for a week. You might have an infection or a cavity that has to be treated.

Your gums are puffy, white, swollen, or bleeding.

You lost a filling.

You have pain or any type of sensation that worries you or interferes with daily activities.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do you make your teeth stop hurting after eating sweets?

Teeth hurt after eating sweets due to sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can be treated by various methods depending upon its cause. These treatments include filling, sealants, changing brushing techniques, toothpastes or toothbrush, using mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding etc.

What does it mean when your teeth hurt when eating sweets?

If your teeth hurt after eating sweets, it means you have tooth sensitivity. 

Does sensitive teeth go away?

Yes, sensitive teeth can go away if proper treatment is done and appropriate preventive measures are taken.

Can cavities go away?

No, cavities do not go away unless they are treated by a dentist with an appropriate treatment.

Does tooth sensitivity mean a cavity?

Tooth sensitivity does not necessarily mean cavity.  Although it is a symptom of cavities, there can be other reasons as well.