Skip Navigation

Teeth Insights relies on readers. We may earn commissions when you purchase through our links. Check Affiliate Disclosure

Why do my teeth hurt when I eat sugar

You might have heard of sugar causing tooth decay and cavities, but did you know sugar can also cause tooth pain? When you eat sugar, your body breaks it down into simple glucose molecules. Glucose is a type of sugar that the body can easily use for energy, so when it’s eaten in large quantities, it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This increase in blood sugar can lead to several adverse effects, including an increase in acidity and the production of enzymes that can damage teeth.

If you’re looking to cut back on your intake of sugar, here are some tips on how to do so:

  • Avoid eating sugary snacks throughout the day.
  • Opt for low-sugar foods instead of sweetened beverages.
  • Limit your intake of processed food that contains sugar.
  • Use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia instead of processed sugar.
  • Brush your teeth after eating anything that contains sugar. 

Types of Sugars

Sugars are a type of carbohydrate. They are found in many common foods, such as bread, pasta, cereal, and juices. Sugars can be divided into two groups: simple sugars and complex sugars. Simple sugars are easy to digest, and they provide quick energy. Complex sugars are harder to digest and give you energy over a more extended period.

Some simple sugars include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These simple sugars are found in many processed foods and sugary drinks. Complex sugars include sucrose (table sugar), maltose, and lactose. Sucrose is the most common type of complex sugar, and it is found in most cakes, cookies, pies, and other desserts. Maltose is found in malt balls and beer. Lactose is found in milk products like cheese and yogurt.

Different types of sugar can cause your teeth to hurt when you eat them. Simple sugars like glucose can be absorbed quickly into your bloodstream, which can cause your body to produce insulin quickly. This insulin response can lead to high blood sugar levels in your bloodstream, damaging your teeth’ enamel over time. In addition, high blood sugar levels can cause inflammation throughout your body, which can lead to tooth pain.

Complex sugars like sucrose and maltose are not as easily absorbed into your bloodstream and don’t cause as much of a response from your body. However, these complex sugars can still cause tooth pain if you eat them in large quantities or consume them as sugary drinks or foods.

The Negative Effects of Sugar on Teeth

Sugar is a carbohydrate that is found in many common foods. When sugar is consumed in high quantities, it can cause tooth decay and dental problems. Sugar also causes toothaches when it is eaten as part of regular meals. The following are some of the adverse effects of sugar on teeth:

1. Sugar can cause tooth decay.

2. Sugar can lead to gum problems and tooth loss.

3. Sugar can also cause cavities in teeth.

4. Sugar can make teeth sensitive to cold and hot foods.

5. Sugar can also cause bad breath.

6. Excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and other health problems.

How to Avoid Toothaches When Eating Sugar?

Sugar can cause toothaches in a variety of ways. When sugar is eaten in large quantities, it can lead to cavities and a lack of saliva, which can cause toothaches. Sugar can also damage the enamel on teeth, leading to pain when chewing or biting. Finally, sugary foods can spread bacteria directly to teeth and cause toothaches.

If you’re having trouble avoiding toothaches from eating sugar, you can do a few things. First, brush your teeth and eat healthy foods daily to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Second, limit how much sugar you eat each day. Talk to your doctor about possible treatments if you’re having more than occasional problems with toothaches from sugar.

What to Do If You Already Have a Toothache from Eating Sugar?

If you’ve been experiencing toothache from eating sugar, there are things you can do to ease the pain and prevent it from becoming chronic. First and foremost, make sure that you’re brushing and flossing regularly. Not only will this help remove plaque and debris from your teeth, but it will also remove sugar from your teeth. If you’re finding that sugar is the root cause of your toothache, try switching to a healthier sweetener such as honey or maple syrup. Finally, if your toothache is severe or ongoing, see a dentist for an evaluation.

Conclusion

There are a few possible reasons why your teeth might hurt when you eat sugar. The most common is when sugar dissolves in water and forms acids that can break down tooth enamel. This process is called demineralization, even if you don’t eat sugar directly. Another reason your teeth might hurt after eating sugar is because of how sugar affects the bacteria in your mouth. Sugar attracts these bacteria, which then produce acid as they metabolize it. Finally, sugary foods can increase levels of oral plaque, which can irritate your teeth and cause tooth pain.