Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Gummies?
Gummies are chewy, delicious candies that can be hard to resist. However, if you've ever felt a jolt of pain in your teeth after eating gummies, you're not alone. There are a few key reasons why gummies may cause tooth pain and sensitivity.
High Sugar Content
One of the main ingredients in gummy candies is sugar. In fact, a typical gummy bear contains around 21 grams of sugar per serving. This high concentration of sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that produce acids that can erode and damage tooth enamel. The longer the sugar remains on your teeth, the more time the bacteria have to wreak havoc.
When gummy candy sits in your mouth, it coats your teeth in sticky sugar. This sugar may get trapped between teeth or in grooves on the chewing surfaces. The trapped sugar sticks around for longer, giving the bacteria prolonged exposure to produce enamel-eroding acid.
Acidic Ingredients
In addition to sugar, some gummies are made with acidic ingredients like fruit juices and citric acid. These acidic compounds lower the pH in your mouth, creating an environment where enamel erosion can occur.
Acidic candy can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. This enamel loss also exposes the underlying dentin layer of the tooth, which can lead to increased sensitivity.
Sticky Texture
The chewy, sticky texture of gummy candies is part of what makes them so enjoyable to eat. However, this texture also causes gummies to adhere firmly to teeth surfaces.
As you chew the gummy, bits of candy can get pressed into grooves and trapped between teeth. This not only allows sugar to linger on the teeth longer, but the act of chewing and biting down on the sticky gummy can also place extra pressure on teeth.
Pre-Existing Dental Problems
If you have underlying issues like dental caries, cracked teeth, or gum recession, the effects of eating gummies may be exacerbated. Problems like untreated cavities, broken fillings, and exposed root surfaces make your teeth more prone to pain when consuming sugar-filled acidic foods.
The high sugar and acidity found in gummies can seep into cracks and crevices, putting pressure on damaged areas. This leads to increased sensitivity and toothache when eating chewy candies.
Bruxism or Teeth Grinding
Some people unconsciously grind or clench their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. This habit puts a lot of pressure on teeth and can cause fractures, chipping, and wear patterns on the chewing surfaces.
When you chew on gummy candy, it tends to stick to teeth surfaces. If you grind or clench down on those gummies, it can place even more force on already weakened areas of teeth, resulting in sensitivity and pain.
Tips to Prevent Gummy-Related Tooth Pain
While gummies may be hard to resist, there are some precautions you can take to help prevent tooth sensitivity and pain when indulging:
Rinse Afterwards
Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating gummies. This washes away some of the sugar and acid coating your teeth and helps neutralize your mouth's pH faster.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Pop in a piece of sugar-free gum after eating gummies. Chewing gum produces saliva which rinses teeth, while the gum base helps scrub away debris.
Wait to Brush
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods. The enamel is in a softened state and brushing can remove protective layers. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after eating gummies.
Get Dental Work Checked
See your dentist to take care of any underlying problems like cavities or cracked teeth that may be contributing to sensitivity when eating gummies.
Limit Acidic Drinks
Cut back on acidic beverages like soda, juice and sports drinks when you eat gummy candy. This reduces total acid exposure for your teeth.
Choose Xylitol Gummies
Look for gummies made with xylitol rather than sugar. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that doesn't feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Eat Slowly
Savor gummy candy slowly instead of chewing vigorously. This gives your saliva more time to wash away the sugar coating your teeth.
Drink Water
Drink plenty of water when eating gummies to help dilute acids and rinse sugar from your teeth.
Limit Frequency
Restrict gummy candy to an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack. This reduces the frequency of acid attacks on your teeth.
When to See Your Dentist
Experiencing tooth sensitivity and pain after eating gummy candy may be a sign of underlying dental issues that need treatment. See your dentist promptly if you notice:
- Persistent tooth sensitivity that lasts longer than a few hours
- Point specific pain in one or multiple teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting down
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Cavities, cracked fillings, or other visible damage
Schedule a dental exam so your dentist can assess your symptoms, diagnose any problems, and provide appropriate treatment. This may involve dental fillings, crowns, gum therapy or root canal therapy to resolve tooth pain and sensitivity.
Protect Your Teeth from Gummy Damage
Gummy candies are a tasty treat, but excessive consumption can wreak havoc on your tooth enamel. Heed the tips in this article to enjoy gummies safely. See your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings to keep your mouth healthy and prevent painful dental issues when eating sticky, sugary snacks.
FAQs
Why do gummies hurt my teeth?
Gummies can hurt your teeth due to their high sugar content, acidic ingredients, sticky texture that adheres to teeth, pre-existing dental problems, and the pressure caused by chewing or grinding down on the gummies.
How can I prevent pain from eating gummies?
Tips to prevent gummy-related tooth pain include rinsing your mouth after eating, chewing sugar-free gum, waiting to brush teeth, getting dental work checked, limiting acidic drinks, choosing xylitol gummies, eating gummies slowly, drinking water, and limiting gummy consumption.
What does it mean if my teeth hurt after eating gummies?
Tooth sensitivity or pain after eating gummies may indicate issues like cavities, cracked teeth, enamel erosion, gum recession, or bruxism. It's best to see your dentist to get examined and receive any necessary treatment.
Can gummies permanently damage teeth?
Over time, frequent gummy consumption can lead to permanent enamel loss and tooth decay. The combined effects of sugar, acid, and stickiness degrade tooth structure. Regular dental visits and limiting gummies can help prevent permanent damage.
Should I avoid eating gummies if I have sensitive teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to avoid very acidic, sugar-filled gummy candies, as they can exacerbate sensitivity and pain. Opt for xylitol gummies instead, and limit how often you indulge in other gummy treats.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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