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Among the worst things that you can feel physically is pain that has to do with your mouth and teeth. Oral sores and toothaches are not only painful, but also affect the way you talk, eat, and drink. The only solution is to treat the ailing tooth or numb the sore.
Aside from dental procedures and medicines, there are some ways you can reduce the pain that your mouth sore or toothache is causing you. One of those ways is to eat (and not eat) certain foods. Read on to learn more about the connection between toothache and particular food items.
First Things First: What Causes Toothaches?
There are various reasons why a person feels toothaches. It can be due to cavities or oral abscess. Dental procedures such as oral prophylaxis (dental cleaning) can also make the teeth extra sensitive. Tooth extraction and other surgeries may cause toothache during the recovery period as well.
A toothache is caused by the inflammation of the tooth’s central portion, called the pulp. Gum inflammation and infection can also give you a toothache since the gums surround the teeth. When your gums are inflamed or irritated, it will automatically affect the tooth.
Common Symptoms of Toothache
Tooth pain can be immediately felt once the gums around the teeth become inflamed or swollen. You may feel sharp, throbbing pain, and overall sensitivity around the tooth. A headache and fever may accompany a toothache, and you may have bad taste in your mouth that comes from a possibly infected tooth. You will also feel pain when you chew, especially when you consume hot and/or cold food and drinks. When you notice these symptoms, and they persist, go to a dentist.
Foods That Help Relieve Toothache
When you experience a toothache, it can be impossible to eat anything. However, you should not punish yourself further by not eating. Certain foods are recommended to be eaten when you have a toothache. In general, these are soft foods that will not further irritate your gums and teeth and will not aggravate any tooth sensitivity.
When you have a toothache and hunger strikes, opt for these treats:
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Soft fruits
- Gelatin, puddings, and custards
- Smoothies and milkshakes
- Any soft food that isn’t too warm nor too cold
As long as the food is easy to chew and swallow, and isn’t acidic or too sugary, then you can try eating them and see if you experience any pain.
Foods to Avoid When You Have a Toothache
You might be following a strict diet or meal plan, but if you have a toothache, you’ll generally need to avoid eating certain foods that will aggravate the toothache and make chewing a challenge. While you’re suffering from a toothache, avoid these food items:
- Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits
- Spicy and salty foods
- Raw vegetables
- Meat
- Granola
You should stay away from foods that are difficult to chew. Acidic, spicy, and salty foods may irritate your gums further. You should also avoid rinsing with a commercial mouthwash that contains alcohol.
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental health, get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
