If you’ve ever wondered why your teeth hurt more when you eat sugar, you’re not alone. This is a common question that dentists are asked, and there is a scientific explanation for it.
Teeth are protected in a hard outer layer of enamel. This enamel is meant to protect the inner, softer layer of the tooth called the dentin. When we eat sugary foods, the bacteria in our mouths feed on the sugar and produce acids. These acids then attack the enamel, causing it to break down and expose the dentin.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent tooth pain from sweets. In this article, we will explore the science behind why teeth hurt more when eating sweets and how to prevent it.
The Science Behind It:
Dentin is a softer material than enamel and is more sensitive to changes in temperature. when we eat sugar the bacteria inside our mouth produce acids and attack the enamel which causes a breakdown and exposes dentin. That’s why when you eat something cold, like ice cream, your teeth can hurt. The acids in sugary foods also increase the risk of tooth decay. Tooth decay is the breakdown of the tooth enamel and can lead to cavities. Cavities are holes in the teeth that can be painful and cause sensitivity to sweets. They are caused by a combination of acidic foods, sugary foods, and poor oral hygiene.
How to Prevent It:
There are a few things you can do to prevent tooth pain from sweets:
1-Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste.
2-Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and prevent tooth decay.
3-Check your intake of foods and drinks.
4-When you do eat sugary foods, brush your teeth afterward or chew sugar-free gum to help remove the acids from your teeth.
5-Avoid acidic foods and drinks. Acidic foods can contribute to tooth enamel breakdown.
6-See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Pain from Sweets:
1-Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum can help remove acids from your teeth. Look for gum that is sweetened with xylitol, as this can also help to prevent cavities.
2-Drink water: Drinking water after eating sugary foods can help rinse away the acids.
3-Eat hard candy: Hard candy is less likely to stick to your teeth than chewy or sticky candy. If you do eat chewy or sticky candy, brush your teeth afterward.
4-Rinse with mouthwash: Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash can help to reduce the acids in your mouth and prevent cavities.
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Conclusion
Teeth can hurt more when eating sweets because the acids in sugary foods can attack the enamel and expose the dentin. There are a few things you can do to prevent tooth pain from sweets, like brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and using mouthwash. You can also limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and chew sugar-free gum after eating sweets.
