What to Eat When You Have a Toothache - Foods That Help Soothe Dental Pain

Understanding Tooth Pain and Diet

Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of issues like cavities, cracked teeth, gum disease, abscesses, and trauma. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing depending on the underlying cause. While seeing a dentist is crucial for treating the problem, adjusting your diet can provide some relief in the meantime. Being mindful of what you eat when you have a toothache is key to managing pain levels and promoting healing.

Avoiding Certain Foods and Beverages

When you have a painful tooth, there are some foods and drinks you'll want to avoid as they can make your symptoms worse. These include:

• Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods like nuts, chips, pretzels, seeds, granola bars, carrots, apples, bagels, popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum, beef jerky
• Very hot or cold foods and drinks
• Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, pineapple
• Spicy foods containing chiles or pepper
• Sweet foods like chocolate, cookies, cake, ice cream
• Fizzy drinks like soda, sparkling water
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Coffee and tea

These types of foods require extra chewing which can put pressure on an already irritated tooth and nerve. They can also stimulate temperature-sensitive nerves. Acidic and sugary foods can seep into damaged tooth surfaces. It's best to avoid anything that could aggravate your toothache.

Choosing the Right Foods

When selecting foods to eat with a sore tooth, look for items that are:

• Soft and easy to chew - mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, banana
• Cool in temperature - ice cream, milkshakes, chilled soups
• Mildly flavored - plain pasta, steamed vegetables, broth-based soups
• Neutral pH - rice, bread, crackers, fish, chicken, eggs

Foods like pudding, yogurt, ice cream, milkshakes, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are excellent choices. Go for soft cooked vegetables, creamy soups, and moist casseroles over crunchy raw veggies and crusty breads. Cold foods can provide relief while warm but not piping hot foods are comforting. Focus on neutral flavored options to avoid irritating your tooth more.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition

It can be challenging to get adequate nutrition when you have dental pain. However, proper nutrition supports your immune system and promotes healing. Be sure to consume a balanced diet with:

• Protein - dairy products, eggs, chicken, fish, beans, tofu, nut butters
• Fruits and vegetables - cooked or softened produce
• Whole grains - oatmeal, rice, pasta, bread
• Healthy fats - olive oil, avocados, nuts
• Fluids - water, milk, juice, broths

A liquid diet or soft foods may be necessary depending on your pain levels. Try smoothing soups, protein shakes, mashed avocado, yogurt, applesauce, or nut butters. Stay hydrated as well. If you are having difficulty getting adequate nutrition, speak to your dentist.

Medications for Relief

Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage tooth pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are options for adults. Use as directed on the label. Topical numbing gels containing benzocaine can also lessen sensitivity when applied to the gums around an aching tooth.

Your dentist may prescribe stronger pain medication if the OTC options are insufficient. Medications are just temporary fixes though. Seeing a dentist to diagnose and treat the underlying problem with your tooth is essential. Tell them about your symptoms, pain levels, and what's working or not working for relief.

Tips for Eating with Tooth Pain

Here are some tips to make eating easier when you have tooth pain:

• Stick to a soft foods diet of items that require little chewing
• Cut food into small pieces to reduce chewing
• Chew carefully on the side opposite the sore tooth
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods/drinks
• Numb the area with topical benzocaine gel 15 minutes before eating
• Take OTC pain medication 30-60 minutes before meals
• Eat slowly and take small bites
• Choose cool or room temperature foods over hot
• Drink liquids to help swallow soft foods
• End meals with soft desserts to limit chewing

Give your tooth a break by choosing foods that require minimal work to chew and swallow. Taking medication beforehand lets it start working before you eat. Topical gels can provide targeted numbing relief as well. Eating on the opposite side and drinking fluids with soft foods makes them easier to handle.

Sample Meal Plans and Recipes

Here are some sample daily meal plans featuring tooth-friendly foods:

Day 1

• Breakfast - Oatmeal with mashed banana, scrambled eggs
• Lunch - Mashed potato and pea soup, yogurt
• Dinner - Macaroni and cheese, mashed sweet potatoes, steamed carrots
• Dessert - Applesauce

Day 2

• Breakfast - Cottage cheese with soft fruit, toast
• Lunch - Tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwich
• Dinner - Ground turkey and rice, mashed butternut squash
• Dessert - Ice cream milkshake

Day 3

• Breakfast - Smoothie bowl with yogurt, banana, berries
• Lunch - Tuna salad sandwich on soft bread, jello
• Dinner - Scrambled eggs, mashed avocado, cooked carrots
• Dessert - Pudding

Here are some tasty recipes to try during a toothache:

Scrambled Eggs

2 eggs 2 tbsp milk Salt and pepper 1 tsp butter Whisk eggs and milk together. Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Add eggs and cook while gently stirring until set but still moist. Season with salt and pepper.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped 2 tbsp butter 1/4 cup milk Salt and pepper Boil sweet potatoes until very soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Applesauce

4 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped 1/4 cup water 1 tbsp honey or sugar 1 tsp cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg Combine apples and water in small pot. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently until apples are very soft, about 10 minutes. Mash apples or blend until smooth. Stir in honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

When to See a Dentist

While adjusting your diet can help manage tooth pain, it's critical to see a dentist to treat the underlying problem. Seek emergency dental care if you experience:

• Severe throbbing or shooting pain
• Swelling in your face or gums
• Bleeding from the gums
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.