A sticky, chewy, sugary candy, a sip of hot soup or a freezy scoop of ice-cream sounds delicious, isn’t it? But if you are one of those who feels sudden twinges in your tooth while having something cold or hot, it will be hard for you to enjoy it without pain.
It can be a sign of tooth sensitivity in which hot, cold, sugar-rich and acidic diets cause discomfort to the teeth. Tooth sensitivity is all about the dentist, the next layer down on your teeth that feature microscopic hollow tunnels called tubules.
When the tubules are exposed to something hot or cold, it irritates those nerves deep within the tooth and causes a shock-like pain.
You probably do your best to keep your teeth healthy, flawless and white by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. But even if you take care of your teeth in the best possible way, there are certain foods and drinks that can make 32 choppers of yours so tender.
Here are top 10 foods that you must avoid if you have sensitive teeth.
Soda
The nerve fibers are exposed in case of sensitive teeth, and it gets irritated by sugary or citric contents which are surely included in soda drinks. This is one of the foremost beverages to avoid when you have sensitive teeth.
Even if it has the word “diet” on the can, drinking large quantities of the carbonated soda can damage your sensitive teeth. It enables plaque to form more acid that attacks tooth enamel and dries out your mouth.
So if you sip soda all day, you are unknowingly coating your teeth in acid. Moreover, the dark-colored sodas can stain your teeth and lead to teeth decay.
Sticky Candy
Who can say no to vibrant, luscious lollipop or peppermints? But a little bit of sacrifice will be needed to avoid the pain. Sweet treats like toffee, caramel, gummy bears, and licorice are usually super stuffed with sugar and have a few strikes against them.
When the sugar-laden foods cling to your teeth, it wreaks havoc which can lead to tooth decay. So it is better to stay away from sticky, sweet and chewy foods, such as candy, cakes, and the muffin. To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can opt for a healthier option like sugarless gum or hard candy.
Ice Cream
People with dentin hypersensitivity struggle eating foods with extreme temperatures like ice cream. It is one of the top offenders that cause discomfort due to high amounts of sugar content. The sugar content can be broken down by bacteria on the teeth which cause even more damage to sensitive teeth.
Hot Coffee
Just like the cold one, hot drinks can also hurt your teeth. And if you add more sugar for sweetening your steaming coffee, the pain can become even worse. So, next time you make a coffee, add more milk to it to lower the temperature of the drink and to make it less acidic.
Crunchy Carbs
If crackers or chips are something that you seek at snack time, rethink how you munch. Snacks like crackers and potato chips are loaded with starch which transforms into sugar.
When the sugar content and the carbohydrates in the snack get trapped in and between the teeth, it feeds the bacteria in the plaque. The acid in the chips lingers and lasts a while and destruct the protective layer of your teeth. This enhances your risk of cavities and creates a tooth discomfort.
So, make sure to pair your carbohydrates with other healthy foods that will neutralize the acid. For instance, adding some cheese to the crackers will lower the risk cavity and give you a healthier smile. Also, once you’ve gorged on a chips bag, make sure to floss to eliminate the trapped particles.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like pineapple, grapefruit, and lemons are packed with vitamin C which is good for health. But such highly acidic fruit can also erode enamel and make the sensitive teeth more vulnerable to decay.
Also, the acid can be troublesome to mouth sores and drinking the fruit juice can even wear away at tooth enamel. But for a dose of antioxidants and vitamins, have them in moderation and rinse with water afterward.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are no doubt a healthy snack. But many dried fruits like apricots, figs, and raisins are sticky, and they cling in the teeth leaving behind a dose of sugar content.
This triggers a pain in the sensitive teeth. But if you like to eat dried fruits a lot, rinse your mouth with water, and then brush and floss after eating.
Ice
All it has is water, so what can be wrong with chewing ice? If this is what you are pondering, think again. Such a hard substance can affect the enamel of your teeth while making you susceptible to chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, or loosened crowns.
It is okay to use ice to chill beverages, but avoid chewing on and opt for chilled water or drinks with no ice.
Bread
As you walk down the supermarket to buy bread, think again. While chewing bread, your saliva breaks down the starches into sugar. It forms a gummy paste-like substance that sticks to the crevices between teeth and causes cavities. So, next time you need bread, go for less-refined varieties like whole wheat. Whole wheat contains less added sugars which don’t break down easily.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol isn’t exactly healthy but what you don’t know is, drinking alcohol can dry out your mouth. Consumption of beer or liquors leads to tooth decay and also increase symptoms of tooth sensitivity due to its high sugar content. Use fluoride rinses and oral hydration solutions and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated.
Wrapping Up
Leaving the above foods off your menu will help you ease tooth sensitivity. Don’t feel bad about enjoying your favorite holiday foods or favorite dessert. Just make sure to follow up by brushing your teeth after having food.
If your sensitive teeth symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, or the pain become unbearable, be sure to talk to your Chicago dentist. Now that you know what food to avoid for the sake of your sensitive teeth take proper care of it to have a happy and healthy smile.
