Toothaches are undoubtedly annoying. The causes of a toothache are also quite varied. A toothache is usually caused by an abscessed tooth, a broken tooth, or a damaged filling. It can also be a sign of a cavity, gum disease or serious infection. In addition, repetitive movements which put pressure on the tooth, such as chewing gum and the habit of grinding teeth (bruxism), can also trigger a toothache.
When we have a toothache, it limits the consumption of some of our favourite foods. This article will look at how to eat with a toothache, what to eat, and what to avoid.
What is a toothache?
A toothache is commonly known as a pain in or around a tooth, and it is not very pleasant. Your tooth’s pulp is filled with sensitive nerves, tissues and blood vessels, and when the enamel is cracked or chipped it puts pressure on the nerves in the pulp. In short, when bacteria infect these nerves, they can cause extreme pain.
Causes of toothache
Although not the only reason, the most common cause of a toothache is damage to your tooth’s enamel. Some other causes of a toothache are:
- Tooth decay
- A tooth abscess (a bacterial infection inside the center of the tooth)
- Infected gums
- Tooth fracture (broken tooth)
- A damaged filling
- Repetitive movements, such as chewing gum, grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
A toothache can make the mouth and teeth feel sore, irritated and inflamed, making it difficult for you to eat or drink. Seek the advice of a dentist to determine the cause of your toothache.
Best foods to eat when you have a toothache
It seems impossible to eat anything when you have a toothache. However, not eating is not going to be helpful either. There are certain foods that you can consume without aggravating the toothache. In general, these foods are soft, easy to chew and swallow. So, what can you eat with a toothache?
Soft vegetables
Vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber and are nutrient-rich. You can boil or steam vegetables until they are soft. That way, they are easier to eat. Some vegetables that taste great steamed are:
- carrots
- peas
- green beans
- chopped cooked spinach or kale
- broccoli florets
You can also blend vegetables such as kale or spinach leaves with yogurt to make a green smoothie.
Soft fruits
Soft fruits are easy to eat when you have a toothache. They require minimal chewing and taste great at room temperature. Examples of soft fruits are:
- grapes
- bananas
- peaches
- watermelon
- blueberries
Tofu
Tofu is filling, nutritious and easy to eat. If you don’t eat meat, tofu is also an excellent alternate source of protein. In addition, tofu is rich in calcium and phosphorus, both important minerals for strong, healthy tooth enamel. There are different types of tofu, from soft, medium-firm to firm. Soft tofu is the easiest to consume when you have a toothache.
Eggs
Whether you have a toothache or not, eggs can be a nutritious and delicious soft-food option. There are many ways to cook it too. Try it scrambled, hard-boiled, or poached.
Yogurt, milk and cottage cheese
Soft foods such as yogurt, milk and cottage cheese are ideal. You can eat them without causing any pain. They are excellent sources of protein and calcium too. Some delicious ways to eat them are milk and yogurt in smoothies or cottage cheese with scrambled eggs.
Blended soup
Soup is a wonderful and comforting food option when you have a toothache. It is best to enjoy the soup at room temperature as hot liquid can aggravate the pain. Cream chicken soup, pumpkin soup or potato soup are great options.
Minced Meat
Meat has a tough and fibrous texture. If you have a toothache, you might want to avoid eating chunks of meat and try minced meat instead. You can cook the minced meat with pasta or shape it into meatballs.
Pudding or jelly
You might crave desserts even when you have a toothache. Instead of cookies or cakes with icing, low-sugar puddings or jelly are a healthier and safer option to avoid pain.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is easy to chew and swallow. Make the oatmeal with milk instead of water to boost nutrition. You can also add mashed bananas or berries to enhance the flavors.
Mashed potatoes
Soft and creamy mashed potatoes are great, filling and comforting. You can eat mashed potatoes without using your teeth to bite or crush them. Flavor the mash with a bit of butter, salt and pepper.
Tips for preparing food for a toothache
In processing and cooking food when you have a toothache, consider applying below tips:
- Cook foods until they are soft and tender
- Cut food into small pieces
- Use a blender or food processor to puree your food
- Use a straw to drink liquids
- Use a smaller spoon, like a baby spoon
- Consume food at room temperature because hot food can irritate the oral cavity
- Rinse your mouth with water to remove food residue and bacteria and to speed up the healing
Foods to avoid when you have a toothache
Some foods or liquids can irritate your mouth. It is best to avoid them when you are in pain. These include:
- Hard-textured foods, such as chips, crackers, nuts, or ice cubes
- Sticky foods, such as caramel or nougat
- Acidic foods, such as lemon and fizzy drinks
- Foods that are too sweet, such as candies and gums
- Spicy foods
- Alcoholic beverages
Conclusion
Eating and drinking when you have a toothache will not be easy. As a general rule, any food that requires too much effort to consume should be out of the question. A soft-food diet may not be the most satisfying, but it can help subside your toothache.
There are ways to relieve a toothache without seeing a dentist. You can try over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. They are the most effective in relieving the pain and reducing the swelling caused by the infection. If your toothache lasts longer than a day or two, you might need more help than eating the right foods. Toothaches often come at inconvenient times. Our emergency line at Eastman Dental is available to help. When in doubt, call us, and we can help soothe your discomfort.