Chocolate is a treat savored by many — myself included. However, for some, the pleasant taste is soured by a shot of discomfort, which prompts the question: Why do my teeth hurt when I eat chocolate?
Because the discomfort is sometimes — but not always — an indication of underlying dental issues, it is best to address the problem proactively. This article delves into the possible reasons behind this unexpected pain and provides insights on how to address and prevent it.
Quick Answer: Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Chocolate?
Most often, eating chocolate causes your teeth to hurt due to the sugar in the chocolate, which hits exposed tubules in the dentin (inner layer of the tooth). These tubules are often more exposed when there is an underlying issue with the tooth, such as a cavity or gum recession, and can be blocked by sensitivity toothpastes and other products.
Sugar Sensitivity: Cavities and tooth decay can make teeth more susceptible to pain when encountering sugary foods.
Temperature Sensitivity: If the chocolate is particularly cold (like a frozen treat) or warm (like hot cocoa), it might trigger pain in sensitive teeth.
Other Underlying Dental Issues: Conditions such as gum recession or previously placed metal fillings can intensify sensitivity.
Natural Tooth Sensitivity: Some people naturally have teeth that are more sensitive to certain stimuli.
For a comprehensive understanding and personalized solutions, it's vital to dive deeper into each potential cause.
Why Chocolate Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity & Pain
Sugar Content:
Chocolate, on its own, does not contain sugar. However, the chocolate that we typically eat (especially the sweeter varieties) contains a significant amount of sugar.
Sugar is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity and discomfort, especially in teeth that have existing damage such as decay, chipped fillings, or recession. When sugar contacts the tubules in dentin (the layer underneath tooth enamel), sensitivity or painful impulses are the result.
Even worse, the sugar provides a readily available energy source for the bacteria residing in our mouths. As they consume the sugar, these bacteria produce acids. These acids can irritate teeth that already have underlying dental issues, exacerbating any pain or discomfort, while also resulting in further tooth decay.
Temperature:
For many, the joy of chocolate extends beyond the candy bar to hot cocoa or a frozen chocolate treat. However, these temperature extremes can jolt sensitive teeth.
Extreme temperatures (particularly cold) are another common cause of tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
Very cold or hot foods and beverages can cause a sharp, sudden pain as they come in contact with teeth that already have certain vulnerabilities, making the simple pleasure of enjoying chocolate a painful experience for some.
Underlying Dental Conditions That Cause Pain When Eating
Cavities: Cavities are decayed portions of your teeth that are the result of sugar consumption. This decay exposes the deeper surfaces of the tooth, which respond with discomfort when exposed. When sugary foods (like chocolate) interact with these decayed areas, it can cause noticeable pain.
Tooth Erosion: Enamel is the protective outer layer of our teeth. However, frequent exposure to acids can wear down this enamel. This condition, known as tooth erosion, exposes the more sensitive inner parts of the tooth. Consuming sweets, like chocolate, can then easily trigger discomfort.
Gum Recession: Gums play an essential role in protecting the root surfaces of our teeth. With conditions like gum disease, the gums can recede, exposing parts of the tooth roots which are not protected by enamel. These exposed areas (which are composed of cementum, a less durable structure than enamel) can be especially sensitive to sugary foods, making the act of eating chocolate painful.
Existing Fillings: Many people have dental fillings, some of which are made from metals that are excellent conductors of temperature. When you eat something cold or hot, like a piece of chilled chocolate or a sip of hot cocoa, these fillings can quickly transmit the temperature changes to the sensitive parts of the tooth, amplifying the sensation and potentially causing discomfort.
Other Contributing Factors in Tooth Pain/Sensitivity
Individual Differences
Each person's body reacts differently to stimuli. Just as some people have a lower pain threshold, some individuals have teeth that are naturally more sensitive.
This heightened sensitivity can be due to genetic factors, previous dental treatments, or even particular life experiences. Such individuals might find that consuming chocolates or other sweet foods triggers more intense reactions than for others.
Diet & Oral Care
Consistently consuming high-sugar foods, including many types of chocolate, can compromise the health of our teeth over time. When paired with inadequate oral care, this dietary habit can lead to accelerated tooth decay and increased sensitivity.
Bacteria thrive on sugar, and their acidic byproducts can erode tooth enamel, making the teeth more prone to pain when encountering sweets. So, the cycle of sugar consumption and tooth pain can be constant and never-ending.
Steps to Alleviate Pain and Prevent Future Tooth Discomfort
Proper Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first line of defense against tooth sensitivity. This includes brushing at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, flossing to remove food particles from between the teeth, and ensuring regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Such habits can help keep tooth sensitivity at bay and protect against further dental issues.
Sensitivity Products: There are specific dental products on the market tailored for those with sensitive teeth. Toothpastes and mouthwashes formulated for sensitivity can help strengthen enamel and block the pathways to sensitive tooth nerves, offering relief from discomfort. For those who experience sensitivity when eating chocolate or other foods, integrating these products into their daily routine can be beneficial.
Diet Moderation: While it might be challenging for chocolate lovers, moderating the consumption of very sweet or extremely cold or hot foods can reduce episodes of tooth sensitivity. If you know that certain foods, including specific chocolate products, tend to trigger your tooth pain, it might be wise to limit them or consume them in smaller amounts.
Seeking Professional Advice: If tooth sensitivity persists or becomes too bothersome, it's crucial to seek the advice of a dentist. They can offer tailored recommendations, identify any underlying issues, and provide treatments like fluoride applications or dental sealants to address and reduce sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
Tooth sensitivity can be a complex issue, often influenced by various factors ranging from our genetic makeup to our daily habits. While enjoying delights like chocolate is one of life's pleasures, it's essential to ensure that this enjoyment doesn't come at the expense of our oral health.
By understanding the causes of sensitivity, we can strike a balance. This balance entails implementing preventative measures while also enjoying treats like chocolate in moderation — ensuring that each bite is a pleasure, not a pain.
FAQs
How do you fix sugar sensitive teeth?
Fixing sugar-sensitive teeth involves a combination of proper oral care and dietary modifications:
Oral Hygiene: Brushing with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help. These toothpastes often contain ingredients that block the tiny tubules in the dentin, reducing sensitivity.
Fluoride Treatment: Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Dietary Habits: Limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages can help reduce the formation of acid and protect the teeth from decay.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist can help detect and address any early signs of tooth decay or other dental issues leading to sensitivity.
Addressing Decay: If your teeth have cavities, no amount of hygiene or diet changes will eliminate the discomfort. At that point, you simply need to get the cavities fixed.
Why do my teeth hurt when I eat candy or chocolate?
The pain experienced when eating candy or chocolate is often caused by tooth sensitivity (rather than a severe dental problem), which can result from several factors:
Sugar Content: Sugary foods can exacerbate tooth pain, especially if there are cavities or weakened enamel.
Temperature Sensitivity: Cold chocolates or candies can cause discomfort in sensitive teeth.
Existing Dental Issues: Cavities, gum recession, and tooth erosion can expose the deeper portions of teeth, making them more susceptible to pain when exposed to sweets.
Why do my teeth hurt when I eat sugar?
When sugar interacts with the bacteria in our mouths, it produces acid, which can erode tooth enamel. Once the protective enamel is compromised, the underlying dentin—with its tiny tubules leading to the tooth's nerve—becomes exposed. Consuming sugary foods can then stimulate these tubules, leading to sharp pain or discomfort, especially if other dental issues like cavities or gum recession are present.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.