Do your teeth hurt when eating sweets? We all know that sweets and sugary snacks aren’t great for our health. Eating too much sugar can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease – but it can also have a detrimental impact on our dental health, too.
Whilst most of us love reaching for a sweet treat, sometimes we might feel pain in our teeth, especially if we eat too many at once. But why does this happen? And how can we prevent it?
Sensitivity
If you experience pain or discomfort in your teeth when eating sweets, it’s probably because your teeth are sensitive. This means that you don’t have a strong protective enamel around your teeth, and therefore the sensitive inner layer is exposed. You might also find that you struggle to eat foods that are too cold, like ice cream, or drinks that are very hot, like coffee.
Why sweets?
You might wonder why sweets have such an effect on the sensitive inner layer of your teeth. After all, they aren’t too hot or too cold. The reason you experience that sharp pain when eating sweets is because of the amount of acidity in sugar, which can wear down enamel. Sugary and fizzy drinks are particularly bad in this regard and can cause serious erosion if drank in excess. You may, therefore, wish to cut down on these types of drinks, and consider them drinking through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
Prevention
Whilst the best way to prevent this discomfort on your teeth is to minimise the number of sugary snacks that you consume (also improving your general health and well-being), you’ll still want to enjoy a sweet treat every now and then. But don’t worry. There are many ways to reduce the amount of pain you feel when eating a sugary snack. Most involve the way you take care of your teeth and encourage good practise – whatever you’re eating.
Use a soft-bristle brush
If you have sensitive teeth, you will benefit from using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Hard-bristle toothbrushes can be tough on your teeth and wear away the enamel. This is why you may feel pain or discomfort whilst brushing your teeth. There are plenty of good soft-bristle toothbrushes to choose from, and they are just as effective at maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Brush correctly
Alongside the toothbrush you’re using, it’s important to use the correct brushing technique. If you have sensitive teeth, you need to make sure that you aren’t brushing too hard, as this can contribute to the wearing away of enamel. If you aren’t sure how to brush your teeth correctly, ask your dentist at your next appointment.
Use the right toothpaste
The type of toothpaste you use can also help to protect your teeth if they are sensitive, which will help you to enjoy an occasional sugary snack. Look for toothpaste that contains stannous fluoride. This ingredient is designed to protect your tooth against sensitivity.
If your tooth pain continues, please book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.