Why does eating sour food make your teeth hurt?

Surely all of us have experienced the feeling of toothache when eating a juicy lemon or nibbling on sour mango or plum. Teeth feel numb, even a little shiver, but have you ever wondered why eating sour food causes this phenomenon?

Acid in sour foods is the culprit

First, let's talk about the nature of sourness. Sour foods like lemons, mangoes, oranges, pickles, and yogurt contain natural acids (e.g. citric acid, lactic acid). When you eat them, these acids come into direct contact with your teeth - specifically, the enamel, the outer protective layer. Enamel is hard, but it is sensitive to acidic environments. Acids temporarily weaken this enamel, making it "softer" and more susceptible to irritation. That's why you start to feel sick to your teeth after the first bite.

Foods that have a characteristic sour taste all contain acids, for example:

Citric acid: Found in lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and pineapples.

Malic acid: Found in apples, pears, cherries.

Tartaric acid: Found in grapes and tamarinds.

Lactic acid: Found in yogurt and pickles.

Acetic acid: Found in vinegar and pickles.

Nerve response

The story doesn’t end there, underneath the enamel is the dentin, which contains thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the nerve. As the enamel is thinned by acid, the dentin tubules become more easily irritated by heat, pressure, or even acid from food.

As a result, the nerve in the tooth sends an alarm signal to the brain, creating the painful, throbbing sensation we often experience. In fact, this is the body's way of warning that the tooth is being challenged.

The role of saliva

Luckily, our bodies have a natural savior: saliva. Saliva not only aids in digestion, but also neutralizes acid in the mouth. When you eat something sour, your salivary glands increase secretion to clean up the acid, bringing the pH in your mouth back to normal (around 6.2-7.6).

This process takes time, however. The first few minutes, while the acid is still raging, will be the most painful. After that, you'll gradually feel better, thanks in large part to your saliva.

Why does everyone feel differently?

Interestingly, not everyone experiences tooth sensitivity when eating sour foods. It depends on the condition of your teeth. If your enamel is weak (due to wear, decay, or brushing too hard), you will be more sensitive to acid. Conversely, people with healthy enamel may experience less discomfort.

Eating habits also have an impact. If you regularly eat sour foods, your teeth may gradually "get used to" them and become less reactive.

How to reduce toothache when eating sour food

If you love sour taste but don't want to suffer the feeling of being sick to your teeth, here's a little tip: Drink water immediately after eating sour food to wash away the acid.

Gargling with diluted salt water helps neutralize the oral environment.

Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating sour foods, because the enamel is weak and can be further eroded.

These methods are simple but very effective, helping you enjoy the sour taste without worrying about tooth sensitivity!

So we have decoded why eating sour food makes your teeth feel sore, from the effects of acid on tooth enamel, the reaction of nerves, to the role of saliva. Although this feeling is sometimes unpleasant, it is also a testament to the body's sensitivity.