Why Do We Say ‘Sweet Tooth’? | Dental Trivia

While it may sound like something your dentist warns you about, the term “sweet tooth” has been used for centuries to describe a person’s strong craving for sugary treats. But why associate this with a tooth?

The phrase likely comes from old English expressions linking different flavors with different parts of the mouth. For instance, people once believed that each part of the tongue was responsible for specific tastes—sweetness, bitterness, sourness, and so on. Over time, this evolved into associating a person’s preference with an actual body part.

The earliest known use of the phrase dates back to the 14th century. Back then, having a “tooth” for something meant you had a liking or preference for it. So, having a “sweet tooth” simply meant you loved sweet flavors. (Merriam-Webster backs this up with its definition still in use today.)

In other words: if your taste buds had a personality, your sweet tooth would be the life of the party.

Not exactly—but your teeth might say otherwise! While there’s no actual “sweet tooth,” there’s definitely a biological reason why sugar cravings exist. Sugar triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine. (NIH research explains this brain-sugar connection in more detail.) That’s why your love for chocolate cake might feel less like a preference and more like a full-blown relationship.

But here’s the twist: the more sugar you eat, the more you feed the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. So while your brain may thank you, your teeth may start filing complaints.

We’re not here to ruin your dessert dreams—just to sweeten them with some balance! Here are a few ways to keep your sweet tooth in check without sabotaging your oral health:

• Go natural: Try fresh fruit to satisfy cravings while giving your teeth a break from refined sugars.
• Pair with protein: Nuts, cheese, or a boiled egg can help buffer the effects of sugar.
• Rinse, then brush: After a sugary snack, rinse with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing. This gives enamel a chance to re-harden.

And remember, moderation is key! A sweet tooth doesn’t have to mean sweet trouble.

Believe it or not, your sweet cravings could be partly encoded in your DNA. Researchers have discovered that some people carry a variant of a gene that makes them more sensitive to sweet flavors—making sugar extra rewarding.

So if sweets have always been your weakness, you might just be born with a sweet tooth!

Want to dive deeper into food and dental health? Check out our post on how blood sugar affects your teeth.