Top 5 Foods to Avoid if You Have Sensitive Teeth
Do you feel a sharp, sudden pain when you eat hot or cold foods? Does brushing or flossing cause discomfort? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.
Sensitive teeth are a common dental problem that affects many people. They occur when the protective layer of your teeth, called enamel, wears away, exposing the underlying dentin. This can cause pain and discomfort when you eat or drink certain foods. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the bad foods for sensitive teeth to avoid at all costs.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is one of the most popular desserts and guilty pleasures for people. However, it’s also one of the worst foods for people with sensitive teeth. Ice cream’s cold temperature can cause pain and discomfort in people with sensitive teeth. Not only that, but its sugar content can contribute to tooth decay and further damage to your teeth.
According to Dr. Mark W. Icard, a dentist based in Harrisburg, NC, “Ice cream is a double whammy for people with sensitive teeth because it’s both cold and high in sugar. The combination can cause tooth pain and lead to long-term damage if consumed frequently.”
Acidic foods
Acidic foods can cause pain and discomfort in people with sensitive teeth. These foods can also erode tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity, and decay. Scientists tested tooth enamel against citric acid and found it causes enamel erosion. Therefore, it’s good to avoid eating acidic foods.
Here’s a list of acidic food to avoid for sensitive teeth:
- Citrus fruits and juices such as lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and lime
- Tomatoes and tomato-based products like sauces and ketchup
- Pickles and pickled vegetables
- Vinegar and vinegar-based dressings
- Carbonated drinks like soda
- Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer
- Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries
- Sour candies and sweets
Sticky Foods
Sweet and sticky treats such as candy, toffee, caramel, and gummy bears are bad for people with tooth sensitivity. This is because they are full of sugar and can stick to your teeth, which causes further damage to your enamel. In addition, they can be difficult to remove through brushing and flossing, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.
Hot Beverages
Hot beverages like coffee and tea can be very appealing to most people, but for those with sensitive teeth, they can be a source of discomfort. The high temperature of these beverages can cause pain and sensitivity in your teeth. This is because the heat can penetrate the tooth enamel and stimulate the nerve endings in your teeth. The more sensitive your teeth are, the more likely you will experience discomfort when consuming hot beverages.
Another issue with coffee and tea is that they contain tannins. These are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods, including coffee and tea. Tannins can cause staining on your teeth and contribute to tooth decay if consumed frequently. The “tannins work by binding to the proteins in your teeth,” said Dr. Jason C. Strein, “which can lead to discoloration and sensitivity over time.”
Hard Foods
Foods like nuts, hard candy, and even crunchy vegetables can be difficult to chew and cause discomfort. These foods can also be damaging to your enamel, leading to sensitivity and pain. When you bite into hard foods, it can cause tiny fractures in your tooth enamel, which can expose the sensitive inner layers of your teeth.
If you suffer from tooth sensitivity and pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. You should visit Icard Strein and Family Dentistry, Harrisburg, NC.
Our Harrisburg NC Dentist Office
To learn more about dental treatments from Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call our Harrisburg, NC dental office today at 704.455.5003.
