What To Eat With Toothache
At Vista Family Dentistry, we know that toothaches can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. A toothache is usually a sign of poor oral hygiene, such as cavities, infections, gum disease, or trauma. It’s essential to take good care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly to prevent these dental problems from occurring. When experiencing a toothache, one of the best things you can do is avoid certain types of food that can worsen your pain.
Causes of Toothaches
Cavities :
When you fail to brush your teeth and floss regularly, bacteria can build up on your teeth, creating cavities. Cavities cause toothaches because they create holes in the enamel of your teeth.
Infections :
Infections occur when bacteria enter a cracked or chipped tooth, leading to inflammation and pain.
Gum Disease :
Gum disease occurs when the gums become infected, causing tooth pain and inflammation – bacteria that accumulate and damage the gums around the teeth.
Trauma :
Trauma to the mouth can cause toothaches, such as when a person falls or gets hit in the mouth.
Which Foods to Avoid
You should avoid certain types of foods if you want to prevent a throbbing toothache. Here are some examples:
Hard Foods:
These can cause pain and discomfort when you bite down on them. Examples include nuts, hard candy, and tough meats.
Chewy Foods:
These take longer to chew and can cause your teeth to ache if chewed too vigorously or for too long. Examples include licorice, dried fruit, and beef jerky.
Acidic Foods:
These can cause tooth pain due to the acidity of the food or drink. Examples include oranges, lemons, and tomatoes.
Which Soft Foods to Eat
When you have a toothache, soft foods are your best bet to help reduce toothache pain. Try eating soft foods that won’t aggravate your teeth. Here are some examples of soft foods you can eat:
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Pudding
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Eggs
- Soups
- Bananas
Home Remedies for Toothache Pain Relief
In addition to avoiding certain foods, there are some home remedies you can try to help reduce the pain of a toothache. Here are some tips:
Rinse your mouth with salt water:
Mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. It can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
Apply a cold compress:
Place a cold compress or ice pack on your cheek for about 10 minutes. It can help reduce swelling and pain.
Take over-the-counter pain medication:
Ibuprofen or other OTC medications can help reduce the pain from a toothache.
Use an oral numbing agent:
An oral numbing agent, such as benzocaine, can be applied directly to the area of your toothache for temporary relief.
Visit your dentist:
If the pain persists, it’s important to visit your dentist immediately for an evaluation and treatment plan.
At Vista Family Dentistry, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with a toothache. We recommend avoiding hard and chewy foods, eating soft foods instead, and trying some of the home remedies above.
When to See a Dentist
If your toothache persists, it’s important to schedule an appointment with Vista Family Dentistry. Our experienced dental professionals will be able to diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide appropriate treatments.
Taking care of your teeth is essential for a healthy smile, so brush and floss regularly and schedule regular checkups with your dentist. At Vista Family Dentistry, we take pride in helping our patients maintain good oral health and prevent toothaches. If you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t hesitate to call us! We are here to help.