Why does my tooth hurt when I eat sweets?

Why does my tooth hurt when I eat sweets?

Cleveland Clinic's page on cavities says that when decay reaches the inner layers of a tooth, you may feel pain or sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets. Decay in the outer enamel usually causes no pain. The NHS lists sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods as a symptom of tooth decay as it worsens, alongside toothache and white, brown or black spots. So a tooth that suddenly reacts to sugar is worth having examined, even if it does not hurt at other times.

Other causes of sensitivity

Healthline says sensitivity usually happens when tooth enamel wears down and exposes the dentin underneath, or when receding gums expose the tooth root. Causes it lists include cavities, cracks or chips, teeth grinding, gum disease, receding gums, harsh dental products such as whitening toothpastes and alcohol-based mouthwashes, acidic foods, tooth infection, forceful brushing, tobacco use and poor oral hygiene. Cleveland Clinic's toothache page lists cavities, an abscess, a cracked tooth, a damaged filling or crown, grinding and gum disease. Healthline's article does not mention sweets as a cause.

Could it be a filling or crown?

Healthline says crowns, inlays, bonding and fillings can cause sensitivity if they are done improperly, fit poorly or shift or loosen, and that a filling placed too deeply or a cavity that was not fully removed can do the same. Cleveland Clinic lists a damaged filling or crown among causes of toothache. If you have had recent dental work and a tooth now reacts to sugar, tell your dentist. Our guides on sensitivity after a filling and crown sensitivity cover this.

What can you do for now?

Cleveland Clinic suggests rinsing with warm salt water, an ice pack wrapped in a towel held against the outside of the jaw, and over-the-counter pain relievers until you see a dentist. Healthline says desensitizing toothpaste is designed to reduce discomfort from sensitive teeth and that a dentist can recommend specific brands. Cleveland Clinic's sensitive teeth page says you can apply a small amount of desensitizing toothpaste to the sensitive spot before bed. These ease symptoms; they do not treat a cavity.

What can you eat with a toothache?

The sources we read do not give toothache-specific diet advice. Cleveland Clinic's only related advice is to limit sugary foods and drinks to help prevent tooth problems. In general, softer foods at a moderate temperature are easier on a painful tooth and sugar is best limited because it feeds decay; that is general advice, not from the sources, and flagged. Chew on the other side until you are seen. Our guide on whether salt water helps tooth pain covers rinsing.

How is it treated?

Cleveland Clinic says in the earliest stages fluoride can repair enamel and reverse early signs of decay, fillings remove decayed tissue, a root canal relieves pain from advanced decay and extraction is the last resort. For sensitivity, Cleveland Clinic's sensitive teeth page lists bonding to cover exposed roots, a dentin sealant to block pain signals and fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel. Treatment depends on the cause, so see your dentist rather than guessing.

When should you see a dentist?

Cleveland Clinic says to see a dentist for a toothache lasting more than two days, swelling in the face or jaw, or pain when opening your mouth wide, and to go to the emergency room for swelling below the eye or a knot on the jaw, severe pain that medication does not relieve, bleeding that will not stop, or a fever above 101°F. Healthline says to see a dental professional if sensitivity is frequent or severe enough to interfere with eating or drinking.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Is this a cavity, worn enamel, a crack or gum recession?
• Do I need an X-ray?
• Which toothpaste or treatment do you recommend?
• What can I do to protect the tooth until I am treated?
• How can I reduce sugar exposure without giving up foods I enjoy?

Frequently asked questions