Why Your Teeth Hurt When Eating Sugary Foods

You’re about to enjoy your favourite candy bar. As you take your first bite and start chewing, you feel a sudden jolt of pain from one of your teeth.

Sound familiar? But, why do my teeth hurt when I eat sweets?

Tooth sensitivity, a common dental condition characterized by pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to certain stimuli, affects many individuals. What causes this sensitivity and how can it be prevented? There are specific factors that make some people more prone to sensitivity than others, depending on age, dietary habits, and overall oral health condition. Let’s take a look at some common causes of tooth sensitivity and what can be done to prevent or treat it when it occurs.

Why Your Teeth Ache When Consuming Sugary Foods

You may have wondered why you feel an odd sensation in your teeth or gums when you eat a particular sweet treat or drink a cold glass of fruit juice. Why does sugar hurt my teeth? It’s important to understand some of the underlying mechanisms behind tooth sensitivity so you can effectively address potential causes.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity: 

• Enamel loss: The hard outer protective layer of the teeth is known as enamel. Over time, this protective barrier can wear down or erode. Substances that cause a buildup of acidity in the mouth, including sugary foods, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks, can gradually erode this hard protective layer, leaving the more sensitive dentin and nerve endings exposed. Sugar, along with hot and cold temperatures, can trigger sensitivity and pain when enamel erosion is present.
• Brushing hygiene: Improper brushing techniques can significantly contribute to tooth sensitivity. Brushing with a hard-bristled or damaged toothbrush can accelerate enamel wear and irritate or injure your gums, as can brushing too vigorously or using an abrasive toothpaste. Neglecting to floss regularly can also be problematic, as bacterial buildup on teeth surfaces and along the gumline can create enamel erosion, dental cavities, and progressive gum disease.
• Pre-existing cavities: The formation of plaque on your teeth and under the gumline leads to acid accumulation which gradually wears away tooth enamel. Once enamel is worn through, bacteria are able to penetrate the teeth and cause holes known as cavities (dental caries). Unfilled cavities allow food particles, bacteria, and liquids to enter your tooth structure and cause uncomfortable sensations or pain. Dental cavities can be detected during a routine dental examination and filled to prevent further damage to the tooth structure.
• Gum disease: Gum disease (gingivitis) can develop when plaque remains on teeth and hardens, creating tartar. If not professionally removed, this accumulation of bacteria can cause numerous oral health problems, including gum inflammation, bleeding, and infection. It can also lead to receding gums, which occurs when the root of a tooth becomes exposed. The roots of teeth contain sensitive nerve endings, so any exposure makes your teeth particularly vulnerable to sugar or temperature sensitivity. Advanced age, tobacco use, and improper brushing technique can also contribute to gum recession.
• Tooth whitening: Although it’s not uncommon to experience sensitive teeth after a professional or at-home whitening treatment, you should talk to your dentist if the discomfort persists for more than a few days. Teeth whitening substances often contain hydrogen peroxide, which lightens tooth stains by penetrating the enamel and dentin layers. This penetration process can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Sensitivity Common Symptoms

Not everyone experiences tooth sensitivity in the same way. Some individuals may feel a mild tingling or a dull, aching sensation when consuming sweets. Others may experience “itchiness” along the gumline or sharp, throbbing pain that radiates through the tooth. In some cases, those with sensitive teeth can experience referred pain elsewhere in the facial region, such as in the sinus cavities or around the eye area. Regardless of the specific manifestation, tooth sensitivity can cause a great deal of distress, especially if the discomfort is difficult to precisely locate or begins to negatively impact daily activities and quality of life.

How to Prevent Toothache When Eating Sweets

Tooth sensitivity can be unpleasant and disruptive, but it’s not an untreatable condition. There are a variety of preventive measures and treatment options that can be implemented at home to reduce sensitivity, including making specific modifications to your dental hygiene practices and dietary habits, particularly regarding the consumption of sweet foods and beverages.

Toothache Prevention Tactics:

• Watch your snack habits: Preventing sensitivity doesn’t necessarily mean completely eliminating your favourite snack foods or beverages. In many cases, tooth and gum irritation can be significantly reduced by controlling your consumption patterns. Try to limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes so acid doesn’t wear as much on your tooth enamel. Instead of frequently reaching for acidic beverages such as carbonated drinks, coffee, or fruit juices, choose water as your primary beverage. Sugar directly feeds acid-producing bacteria that gradually break down your tooth enamel over time. Foods high in simple carbohydrates but low in essential nutrients, such as potato chips or sweet confections, should be consumed in moderation. Be sure to maintain a nutrient-rich balanced diet that contains important minerals such as calcium to help build strong bones and strengthen your tooth enamel. If you aren’t able to brush your teeth immediately after meals, consider at least rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water. Not only does water help remove food particles left behind after eating, but it also stimulates saliva production which naturally helps reduce acid buildup in your oral cavity.
• Find a candy alternative: Chewing sugarless gum may be a healthier alternative compared to snacking on hard or sticky treats such as dried fruits, gummy candies, or hard candies. Foods that remain in the mouth for extended periods create an acidic environment conducive to bacterial growth; these bacteria gradually wear away at tooth enamel and can cause cavity formation. Chewing gum that contains a sugar alternative will provide your taste buds with a sweet sensation, while also stimulating increased saliva production which helps naturally wash away harmful bacteria that would otherwise remain in your mouth.
• Review your daily regime: A consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine is your best defense against many common dental issues, including tooth sensitivity. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and practice a gentle circular brushing technique. Ensure you floss between all teeth daily and talk to your dentist about potentially investing in a water flosser if your gums are especially sensitive. The specific type of toothpaste you use is also critically important. There are various non-abrasive, fluoride-containing toothpastes available on the market specifically designed for sensitive teeth and gums. Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to recommend one that is most appropriate for your specific oral health needs.
• Avoid sugary mouthwash: Look for a therapeutic mouthwash that doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners or added sugar. You may also want to consider selecting one that does not contain alcohol, which can further irritate sensitive tissues. Ask your dental professional for specific advice on which oral rinse may be most suitable for your individual needs.  
• Pause teeth whitening treatments: Over-the-counter or professional in-office teeth whitening procedures can cause or exacerbate existing gum or tooth sensitivity due to the presence of stain-lightening hydrogen peroxide in the whitening agent. It is not uncommon for teeth to temporarily become sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods after whitening treatment; however, if discomfort persists beyond a few days, consult your dentist about other potential underlying causes.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking: Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco smoking can cause numerous oral health problems, including accelerated erosion of tooth enamel. Reducing or completely eliminating the consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco-based products is beneficial for both your dental health and overall systemic health. If you need professional assistance with quitting these habits, discuss available support options with your healthcare provider. 

Snack Alternatives for Sugar-Sensitive Teeth

Alternative sweeteners can be particularly helpful if your teeth are prone to sugar sensitivity. Instead of consuming traditional sugar-sweetened confections and beverages, consider trying natural alternatives such as xylitol, erythritol, or stevia. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables; it provides fewer calories than regular sugar but with comparable sweetness levels. Erythritol, another sugar alcohol, is a low-calorie sweetener that scientific studies show can actually help reduce plaque buildup and aid in cavity prevention. Stevia, a plant-based sugar substitute derived from leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, lacks the fermentable carbohydrates that feed oral bacteria responsible for promoting tooth decay and sensitivity.

What You Can Do To Treat Your Sugar Sensitivity

So, you’ve implemented all the preventive measures you can think of to eliminate your tooth sensitivity, yet the uncomfortable sensations persist. What are the appropriate next steps to address this ongoing issue?

Call your dentist right away

Although there are several self-care strategies you can implement at home to avoid or reduce tooth sensitivity, sometimes professional dental intervention becomes necessary. Call your dentist right away if you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions:

• Unexplained swelling or bleeding of the gum tissues
• A lost or damaged dental filling
• Dental pain that significantly interferes with your daily activities, including the consumption of hot or cold foods and/or beverages
• Persistent tooth or gum pain that doesn’t subside after two weeks of regularly brushing with toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth

Book An Appointment

If you are concerned about tooth sensitivity or any other dental issue, contact Dr. Bains and the Lewis Estates Dental Centre team today. Whether you need a routine dental examination or are experiencing a dental emergency, our professional dental team is here to ensure you receive timely, thorough, and compassionate dental care. 

Key Takeaways about Tooth Sensitivity to Sugar

• Enamel loss exposes sensitive parts of your teeth, making them react painfully to sugar, hot foods, and cold temperatures when you eat or drink.
• Improper brushing techniques damage tooth enamel and irritate gums, especially when using hard-bristled toothbrushes or brushing too vigorously.
• Unfilled cavities allow food, bacteria, and liquids to enter your teeth and cause uncomfortable sensations or pain when consuming sugary foods.
• Lewis Estates Dental Centre recommends limiting sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes so acid doesn’t wear as much on your teeth throughout the day.
• Chewing sugarless gum offers a sweet alternative to candies while stimulating saliva production, which helps wash away 98% of bacteria that would otherwise stay in your mouth.
• Teeth whitening treatments often cause temporary sensitivity because they contain hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the tooth to lighten stains.
• Sugar-free sweeteners like xylitol, erythritol, and stevia provide alternatives for people with sugar-sensitive teeth because they lack the carbohydrates that feed oral bacteria promoting tooth decay.