Foods that Make Sensitivity Worse
Now that you know what causes sensitive teeth, you can probably figure out a few “bad” foods for yourself. We will spell it out for you anyway.
Acidic Foods & Drinks
As we discussed under the “Acid Erosion” section above, acid is extremely bad for tooth enamel. When you eat and drink acidic items, you put yourself at risk for erosion. Unfortunately, when it comes to drinks, almost everything except plain tap water is acidic. This includes sodas, sports drinks, fruit juices, coffee, tea, wine, beer, and sparkling water. The damage is more likely when you slowly sip on an acidic drink throughout the day.
Acidic foods include citrus fruits (especially lemons and limes), tomato products, vinegar, mustard, and all pickled vegetables. We have heard of some patients using lemon juice or apple cider vinegar as part of a cleanse. This is disastrous for your teeth!
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbs, like those in all candies, cookies, cakes and even chips, crackers and bread, all lead to an acidic pH in the mouth. Simple carbohydrates are the easiest food source for bad, acid-producing bacteria. By eating them, you provide the bacteria with more fuel to create more acid. Avoid simple carbs between meals, and try to eat a healthy, balanced diet with fats and proteins.
Very Hard or Crunchy Foods
Chewing on hard nuts or very crunchy items predisposes you to cracked teeth. Avoid eating items that require a significant amount of force to chew, as this puts heavy stress on your teeth.
Ice Chewing
Ice is bad for your teeth in two different ways. The hardness of it puts heavier-than-normal forces on the teeth, just like hard nuts or crunchy foods. In addition to its hardness, the extreme cold temperature itself can lead to surface cracks on the teeth. Enamel is similar to glass, and it is constantly bathed in 98+ degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. When you bite into a piece of ice, the drastic temperature difference causes cracks to develop. Even “soft” ice is not good for your teeth. Avoid any and all ice chewing.
More Questions About Sensitive Teeth?
Call your nearest Premier Dental of Ohio location today to schedule a consultation with one of our preventive dentists. We will uncover the cause of your sensitivity and give you multiple options for treating it.
