Differential Diagnosis for Tooth Pain when Eating Sweet Foods

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Dental caries (tooth decay): This is the most common cause of tooth pain when eating sweet foods. The bacteria in the mouth break down the sugars, producing acid that damages the tooth enamel and causes pain.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Dental erosion: Consumption of sweet and acidic foods can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and pain.
  • Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums can cause pain when eating sweet foods, especially if the gums are irritated or infected.
  • Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can be sensitive to sweet foods and drinks, causing pain when the crack is exposed to sugar.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Abscess: A dental abscess is a serious infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
  • Sinusitis: In some cases, tooth pain can be referred from the sinuses, and sinusitis can cause pain when eating sweet foods due to the pressure and inflammation in the sinuses.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Dentin hypersensitivity: This is a condition where the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) becomes exposed, causing sensitivity and pain when eating sweet foods.
  • Erosive lichen planus: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause oral lesions and sensitivity to sweet foods.
  • Bulimia nervosa: Frequent vomiting can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and pain when eating sweet foods.