Why do my teeth hurt when I eat something sweet?

kristin Soraya
Jul 25
2 min read

Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Something Sweet? (And Then It Just... Stops?)

Have you ever taken a bite of something sweet—like chocolate, honey, or candy—and felt a sharp little zap in your tooth? And then, just like that, it’s gone?

Yeah, same. And I’ve always wondered what that was about. So I looked into it.

Turns out, that sweet sensitivity has a real explanation—and it usually means your teeth are trying to tell you something.

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Why Do Teeth React to Sugar?

The main reason your teeth suddenly hurt when eating something sweet is because the protective layer of enamel might be wearing down or there’s a spot where your gums have receded. When that happens, the dentin underneath becomes exposed—and that’s where things get sensitive.

Dentin has tiny little tunnels (called tubules) that lead straight to the nerve. So when sugar hits that spot, it can trigger the nerve, which is why you feel that quick, sharp pain.

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Why Does the Pain Only Last a Few Seconds?

Sugar itself isn’t hot or cold—it’s not causing lasting damage in that moment. But when it seeps into those open dentin tubules, it kind of “tickles” the nerve, and the nerve reacts fast.

Luckily, it also calms down fast—which is why the pain usually disappears in less than a minute. Still annoying though, right?

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Is This a Cavity?

Not always. Sweet sensitivity doesn’t always mean you have a cavity, but it’s often a warning sign:

You might have a tiny crack in your enamel

You could be brushing too hard and causing gum recession

Or maybe you’re grinding your teeth (even in your sleep)

And yes, sometimes it is the beginning of a cavity

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What You Can Do About It

If your teeth are sweet-sensitive, here are a few easy things to try:

Switch to a sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne)