Why Fall Treats Might Be Harming Your Teeth

Now that the Summer is behind us and the weather is starting to get chilly, there seems to be tasty Fall treats everywhere we turn: candy apples, hot chocolate, pumpkin spiced lattes, apple cider donuts, Hallloween goodies, pies . . . you name it! If it’s sweet and Fall-inspired, you can be sure that we’ve either seen it or enjoyed it!

But how many of us have noticed a slight twinge of tooth sensitivity while enjoying some sugary Fall goodness?

If this sensitivity is a new thing, and seems to either appear or get worse when you bite into a candy bar or enjoy a sip of hot chocolate, it’s time to take a moment and assess what might be going on!

Can Sweets Cause Sensitive Teeth?

The short answer is yes. Many people feel a twinge of discomfort when they drink or eat something very hot or cold, or something that’s really sweet. This twinge of pain is usually due to tooth sensitivity, which happens when the enamel on our teeth is worn down and hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods trigger the nerves — causing that flash of discomfort.

How Can I Find Relief From Sensitive Teeth?

If you believe you’ve developed tooth sensitivity due to tooth decay, gum disease, or even worn fillings, your first move should be to get yourself to the dentist's office to have them check things out. Depending on what they see when they take a look, your dentist may recommend a few courses of action, including desensitizing toothpaste, a crown, or even a root canal.

If you suffer from dentin hypersensitivity, a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne Rapid Relief is a great option. Sensodyne Rapid Relief provides proven pain relief in just three days with twice daily brushing. This is due to its unique formulation with stannous fluoride, which builds a protective barrier over sensitive areas of your teeth.

If there’s more extensive damage to your teeth or gums, you’ll likely have to make an appointment for something a little more in-depth.

Moral of the story: if you’ve taken full advantage of the bounty of Fall sweets and feel like your teeth are dealing with the consequences, head on over to your dentist’s office to get some answers! Tooth sensitivity doesn’t have to mean you say goodbye to your favorite desserts or a piping hot mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee — it just means it’s time to ask some questions and get some relief!