Teeth hurt when eating sweets primarily due to tooth sensitivity caused by the erosion of tooth enamel or cavities. The enamel is the hard outer layer protecting the softer dentin beneath it. When enamel weakens or erodes, the dentin gets exposed; this dentin contains tiny tubules connected to nerves. Sugary foods can stimulate these nerves, leading to sharp pain or discomfort. Additionally, cavities caused by bacteria that feed on sugar can create holes in teeth, which also cause pain when sweets come in contact with those areas. Other causes can include receding gums, cracked teeth, or gum disease, all of which expose sensitive parts of the tooth and exacerbate pain triggered by sweets. In short, the pain is often a sign of enamel damage, tooth decay, or sensitivity that needs to be addressed to prevent worsening conditions.
