What to Eat When You Have a Toothache

What to Eat When You Have a Toothache

A toothache turns mealtime into a miserable experience. The throbbing pain and sensitivity can make chewing next to impossible. But you can’t simply stop eating just because your mouth is giving you grief. Here’s what to eat, what to avoid, and when it’s time to visit a dentist.

What’s Causing Your Toothache?

Tooth pain can set in for several reasons. Some are minor, while others are more serious. Regardless, you need to know what you’re dealing with.

Common causes of toothaches:

  • Cavities
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Abscesses
  • Tooth grinding (bruxism)
  • Gum disease
  • Exposed roots

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Persistent, throbbing pain in or around a tooth
  • Swelling of the gums or face
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Pain when chewing
  • Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
  • Fever or general feeling of being unwell

Foods to Soothe a Sore Mouth

If your mouth hurts, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid worsening the pain. Here’s what to eat when you have a toothache:

  • Mashed potatoes are smooth comfort foods that require minimal effort to eat and provide a good source of energy.
  • Scrambled eggs are gentle on sensitive teeth and can be prepared quickly.
  • Greek yogurt is a creamy delight packed with probiotics that support oral health.
  • Smoothies deliver essential nutrients without the need for chewing.
  • Applesauce is a classic choice when you have a toothache.
  • Cottage cheese is easy on the teeth, providing calcium and protein without causing discomfort.
  • Oatmeal is heart-healthy and can be flavored with soft fruits like bananas for extra nutrition.
  • Gelatin desserts and puddings satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for chewing.

Foods to Steer Clear Of

Certain foods aggravate toothaches. Avoid the following to prevent further discomfort:

  • Hard foods like nuts, raw vegetables, and hard candies strain sensitive areas.
  • Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and dried fruit cling to your teeth, increasing the risk of irritation.
  • Acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soda may cause sensitivity, especially if your toothache is caused by exposed nerves.
  • Extremely hot or cold items like freshly brewed coffee or ice cream may trigger sharp pain in sensitive teeth.
  • Spicy foods may further irritate an already sensitive mouth.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your toothache lingers for more than a day or two, it’s time to see a dentist. Persistent pain, swelling, or fever signals that the problem won’t go away on its own. Delaying treatment could lead to more complications down the line.

Let Park 56 Dental Take It from Here

The Park 56 Dental team takes toothaches seriously. We’ve been serving the 10022 neighborhood since 1997 with a commitment to personalized, quality care. We offer emergency dental services to get you feeling better fast. Then, our skilled dentists can prevent future toothaches with routine checkups, cleanings, and X-rays. We accept most major dental plans, including Cigna, Delta, MetLife, and United Healthcare, so there’s no reason to postpone your visit. If your tooth pain won’t quit, schedule an appointment with us today.