Everyone loves a gummy! These chewy treats are almost irresistible, Whether taken as vitamin supplements or mere candies. Their lovely textures and sweet flavours are appealing. It’s no wonder we often find ourselves indulging in more than intended!
However, as enjoyable as gummies can be, they can also cause unpleasant side effects – like toothaches. This post explains why and shows you how to deal with it.
The good news is not all gummies are unfit for your health. Brands like Chewwies still offer healthy, tasty and even halal gummies suitable for you.
Why do your teeth hurt when you consume gummies?
Your teeth could hurt when you consume gummies for several reasons. Some of the most remarkable are;
High sugar content
Gummies are often studded with sugar to give them a sweet and appealing feel. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on these sugars and produce an acid. Excessive consumption of sugary treats could easily cause tooth pain.
This acid attacks your tooth leading to its decay and extreme sensitivity. An excessive intake of such gummies only results in a more severe offence.
Sticky Texture
Gummies are famed for their sticky and chewy nature. Their chewy nature makes it very easy for them to get stuck between your teeth. Although these make them the top choice, they could also lead to toothaches.
This causes severe tooth pain if left for a long time.
Formation of plaques
An excess intake of gummies often leads to the formation of plaques. Plaques are sticky films that develop on teeth when oral bacteria feed on sugars present. This weakens tooth protection and could result in general dental decay.
Development of tooth cavity
Once tooth decay occurs, it leaves holes or spaces on the tooth. These holes start as craters and grow bigger and deeper if left unfilled. Bacteria, acids, liquids, and sugary foods can all get inside a cavity and cause pain, the kind you never want to experience.
Acidic nature
A key ingredient of gummy is citric acid or other acidic substances. These cause a rise in mouth acidity. An increased acidity results in tooth pain and extreme sensitivity, especially if you already have enamel erosion or cavities.
The enamel protects the tooth from harsh conditions in the mouth.
Increases in wearing out of gums
Gums exist to protect and safeguard each tooth’s root. Naturally, these gums grow weaker with age, leaving the tooth exposed. Gum disease is widespread and could result in teeth falling off.
Consumption of sugar-coated gummies could speed up this process. While gummies play a role in tooth health, smoking and rigorous tooth cleaning can cause more severe damage.
Remedies for toothaches while eating gummies
If you experience these aches when eating gummies, here are some tips to help you enjoy these gummies without any discomfort;
- Brush your teeth after eating gummies to remove any sugary residue and acid from your mouth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from decay.
- Drink water after eating gummies to help flush away sugar and acid from your mouth.
- Never take gummies before going to bed.
- Avoid smoking, alcoholic mouthwash and hard toothbrushes.
- Most importantly, eat only sugar-free gummies rich in nutrients like iron and vitamin C.
Lastly, include visiting a dentist in your monthly schedule.
Conclusion
When it comes to enjoying our favourite gummies, the last thing we want is tooth pain to ruin the fun. But unfortunately, toothaches after indulging in these chewy treats are all too common.
The good news is – there are many possible ways to ease your discomfort. Whichever is the case, it’s always better to practise good oral hygiene and be mindful of eating habits.
