We’ve all been there; you take your first bite of a delicious meal and wham – your taste buds are on fire! Whether eating spicy food is an everyday occurrence or an unwanted accident, it’s only fair to wonder: If this is burning my mouth so badly, what is it doing to my teeth?

Spiciness, not to be confused with temperature-based heat, is a distinct flavour sensation characterized by a sharp burning sensation in the mouth that often lingers well after your food is swallowed. A substance called capsaicin, found in chili peppers, is the primary ingredient that causes foods to be spicy. However, there are other spicy substances as well, like piperine, an alkaloid found in peppercorns, or allyl isothiocyanate, the organic compound that give radishes, wasabi and mustards their kick. This burning sensation is an evolutionary advantage that some plants have developed to deter predators, though many cultures around the world incorporate these spicy ingredients intentionally into their cuisine.  

When eaten, capsaicin and other spicy substances trick your brain into thinking your mouth is in danger by triggering nerve endings called pain receptors. These receptors are responsible for the familiar burning sensation. Fortunately, while spicy food can cause some symptoms like gum irritation, stomach pain or acid reflux, the burning sensation itself isn’t directly harmful to your mouth, teeth or esophagus – though it can certainly be unpleasant to some!

But before you start popping chilis into your mouth, there are some downsides to spicing things up: Many spicy foods are acidic or high in sugar, two common red flags to avoid when it comes to making sure your teeth are strong and healthy. In addition, some hot sauces (or ingredients like turmeric commonly found in spicy dishes like curries) can cause tooth discolouration over time. If you feel self-conscious about the shade of your teeth, we can help with that! We provide fast and easy tooth whitening services – like Zoom! Whitening – which offers a noticeable improvement to the shade of your teeth in as little as one hour. Interested to see what Zoom! Whitening could do for you? Use the orange “Book Online” button to set up a consultation today!