Why Do All My Teeth Hurt Suddenly? Get the Answers

Imagine: You’ve been looking forward to that brownie or ice cream bar—but when you took a bite, ouch! If you’ve never had any trouble with tooth sensitivity or pain, you might be asking yourself, “Why do all my teeth hurt suddenly?”

The answer may be sugar sensitivity. Sugar sensitivity that causes tooth pain is a real problem for many people. It can be mild to severe, but at any level, it can take away from your enjoyment of dessert and other hot or cold foods and beverages. It can also be a warning sign of conditions that could ultimately lead to tooth loss.

If you’re wondering, “Why are my teeth sensitive, and are there treatments that can help me enjoy that brownie again?” Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP) has your answers.

Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Sweets?

Four of the most common culprits for why your teeth hurt when you eat sweets are:

Enamel Loss

Enamel is the outer protective layer of the teeth. Losing enamel can expose the teeth’s inner nerves and pulp. This can heighten sensitivity to sweet substances and hot or cold foods. Weakened enamel leaves your teeth vulnerable to dental decay and fracturing, which may eventually lead to tooth loss.

Tooth Damage

Acute traum a or tooth damage may be an answer if you’re curious about, “Why do my teeth hurt when I eat sugar?” A crack or fracture can expose the nerves and intensify tooth pain.

Cavities

Plaque is made up of bacteria colonies that accumulate on the teeth and feed on sugars ingested from food. This process produces acid, which eats away at the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, these pits increase in size and become cavities and sites for infection, which ultimately causes pain.

Tooth-Whitening Treatments

If you’re experiencing sensitivity following a whitening treatment, the product may be responsible. The good news is that the pain is usually short-lived, but if it lasts more than a day or two, contact your dentist.

Identifying a Dentist Office You Can Trust

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Choosing your dentist is a big decision. This guide help you make the right choice.

Are There Treatments for Teeth Sensitive to Sugar?

Yes. Your PDFP dentist will perform an oral exam and may also take an X-ray to diagnose the cause of your pain and determine your treatment.

When the problem is thinning enamel, the dentist may apply a fluoride treatment to remineralize the teeth. Enamel cannot grow back, but remineralization pushes calcium and phosphorus back into the teeth. This chemical process makes the teeth more resistant to plaque.

For more advanced enamel loss, dental bonding may be recommended. Dental bonding utilizes a dental composite resin, which bonds to the teeth when a dental curing light is shone on them. This “bonding” hardens the teeth, providing stronger protection.

In the case of tooth damage, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if the trauma is severe or if you have an infection. For minor damage, the dentist may place a crown on the chipped tooth, which protects it from further trauma or bacterial invasion.

A cavity may require a multiprong approach to treatment, depending on how much the disease has progressed. Fluoride treatment can, in some cases, reverse decay in the earliest stages of its development.

Advanced Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

If the cavity is more advanced, your dentist may discuss restorative options such as fillings, crowns, endodontic treatment, or tooth extractions.

Root canal therapy can save an infected tooth in many cases. After the endodontist removes the diseased pulp from the root, they will replace the pulp with a filling and cover it with a crown.

If your dentist determines the sensitivity is due to whitening treatment, discomfort should be temporary. In the meantime, your dentist can apply a liquid varnish product to provide relief for an extended period. They may also prescribe a desensitizing toothpaste or gel to use at home.

Penn Dental Family Practice: Let Us Help!

Dental pain is a warning sign and should be taken seriously. It will often worsen if left untreated. So if you’re wondering, “Why do all my teeth hurt suddenly?” we encourage you to visit us so we can evaluate the problem and provide treatment quickly. PDFP dentists are highly knowledgeable professionals who teach at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Download this comparison chart to see why you can trust PDFP dentists with your oral health, especially when you have several teeth hurting at once.

To schedule your visit at Penn Dental Family Practice, click here to request an appointment or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337) today.