If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you may find it excruciating to eat anything sweet or acidic and wonder if there is anything you can do to help ease the discomfort while you enjoy your favorite foods. If so, use the following tips for eating sugary or acidic foods when you have sensitive teeth.

Use a Straw for Sugary or Acidic Beverages

When you have sensitive teeth, your protective layer of enamel has become worn down. Because of the thinning enamel, the pulp and nerves inside your teeth are more susceptible to outside influences.

When sugar or acid comes into direct contact with the already worn enamel, the raw ingredients cause pain in your already sensitive teeth. This is especially true when you drink a beverage, as you cannot control how the liquid travels in your mouth when you drink from straight from a cup or glass.

However, if you drink beverages such as fruit juices or tea from a straw, you can direct the flow of the liquid toward the back of your throat where you can immediately swallow it. This helps limit the amount of sugar or acid that comes into contact with your sensitive teeth.

Drink Milk While Eating Tomato-Based Foods

If you eat a lot of foods that are tomato-based dishes, like spaghetti or tacos, these types of meals expose your sensitive teeth to large amounts of acid. Even if you brush your teeth directly after you are finished eating, the enamel is exposed for the duration of the meal.

To help counteract the acidity of the tomato-based food, drink a glass of milk with your meal. Since milk alkaline and serves as a base, it can help neutralize the acids found in tomatoes.

After taking a few bites of your meal, take a small sip of milk. However, do not swallow it right away. Instead, swish it in your mouth for a few seconds to coat your teeth and help protect them from the acids. 

However, once you are done eating, make sure you brush your teeth. While milk does help neutralize the acids, it also contains sugar that could wear down your existing enamel if you do not brush your teeth after consuming it.

Using the above tips whenever you eat sugary or acidic foods can help decrease the discomfort caused by your sensitive teeth, as well as reduce further breakdown of your tooth enamel. However, if you find that your teeth's sensitivity is worsening, speak with your dentist to discuss any possible treatment options or recommendations for easing your discomfort.