The most prevalent factors that contribute to tooth sensitivity are the foods we eat, and the beverages we drink. There are two main effects that food and beverages have on tooth sensitivity:
- Foods (and drinks) that are hot, cold, sweet and/or sour can trigger a brief episode of sharp pain because of their temperature and chemical properties.
- Consuming refined carbohydrates that are high in sugar and starch, as well as sweetened beverages, can lead to plaque formation, tooth decay and dental erosion – all of which expose tooth roots and pulp, and increase the potential for tooth sensitivity.
In other words, there are foods that trigger tooth sensitivity, and foods that cause it.
But beware, there are also foods that pack a double whammy – foods (and drinks) that cause tooth decay and/or erosion, while triggering and increasing tooth sensitivity episodes at the same time.
By recognising and understanding how to regulate your consumption of these hot/ cold/sweet/ sour combination foods, you can actively keep your oral PH neutral – and avoid subjecting your tooth enamel to destructive high acid PH levels for sustained periods of time.
If you have tooth sensitivity, try to avoid the following foods and beverages to help minimise and prevent the causes and symptoms of tooth sensitivity:
- Soft drinks (including alcohol and artificially sweetened sports and diet soft drinks).
- Hot sweet coffee.
- Hard or chewy candy (especially citrus varieties with granulated sugar)
- Ice cream and gelato.
- Citrus fruit (incl. lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges and grapes)
- Processed fruit juices (incl. orange and cranberry)
- Tomatoes
- Icy frozen drinks or slushies
It should be noted that natural acidic foods have numerous health benefits for our general health and well-being that you shouldn’t miss out on.
To continue enjoying these foods, brush your teeth with desensitising toothpaste to strengthen your tooth enamel, and protect your teeth from tooth sensitivity. If your tooth sensitivity problems persist or intensify, seek professional advice from your dentist.
