Brunette woman cringes in pain because her teeth are sensitive after eating too much candy

Why Does Eating Candy Hurt My Teeth?

February 27, 2021 3:09 pm

Have you ever noticed that your teeth feel sensitive when you eat a lot of candy? Here’s why eating candy may be causing you discomfort and what it means for your dental health.

Is Sugar Bad for Your Teeth?

While sugar tastes yummy, it isn’t so good for your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth feast upon your dietary sugar and produce acidic byproducts. These acids wear down your enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Thin enamel exposes the sensitive inner layers of your teeth and increases your risk of pain and infection.

Even if you brush and floss your teeth consistently, a diet high in sugar and acidic foods and beverages weakens your enamel and makes it more prone to decay. Weakened enamel can sometimes be remineralized (or fortified) with fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus. But enamel that does not remineralize can develop into a cavity. These are small pits of permanent damage that can grow deep into your teeth, causing pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Sensitive teeth or a toothache can be a warning sign of compromised enamel, a cavity, or a tooth infection. Depending on the extent of damage, you may experience pain when you chew or bite down, especially on foods and beverages that are particularly sugary, acidic, hot, or cold.

Cavity Prevention in Lytle, TX

At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team emphasizes cavity prevention by advocating for superb at-home oral hygiene, a balanced diet, routine professional cleanings, sealants in the hard-to-reach grooves of back molars, and professional fluoride treatments. We even have a fun Cavity-Free Club! If your child is in need of cavity treatment, our office also provides natural-looking fillings and baby root canals.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics!

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