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My teeth hurt - what to eat?

Lately, my teeth have been really hurting. I live in St. Louis, which has been included in that weather "Dome". I think the pressure has added to my pain because normally July and August are the best months of the year for my TN.

Anyway, what do you all eat when you have this issue? I started on green smoothies, but they cannot be very cold, of course. I just feel like I need a little food!! I did get a wrap from CBW today because my teeth felt better. . . until I ate the wrap. Any suggestions are appreciated. I just thought you all might have some better ideas. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Chris K. on July 26, 2011 at 7:08pm

Hi Debbie,

I am very well acquaintedwith the "no-chew diet". I've used it while recovering from dental work and return to it whenever my teeth are even more sensitive than usual so that I don't aggavate them further.

Here's my list of soft foods: Pureed soups, yogurt, refried beans, hummus, overly ripe fruit, soft cooked scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, pureed vegetables, baked beans, avacadoes and overcooked oatmeal. I find that even if I can't chew bread on its own, if I dip it in hummus, I can handle it. I also make really good use of my food processor and put just about anything I can in there. It's not usually very pretty, but it works. When I'm feeling deprived and need some decadence in my life, I go for brie, pudding and crème brulee (minus the crunchy top), though not all at once.

As an aside, I have muscle spasms secondary to the tooth pain, so I make a very concentrated effort to make sure that I am chewing on both sides equally in correct anatomic alignment. This isn't any fun while I'm doing it, but I've found that it's helped with my pain levels overall.

I hope this helps!

Take care,

Chris

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on July 27, 2011 at 12:09am

Thank you Chris for the information! These are all good ideas. I know a lady who is a retired speech pathologist and she also told me to always take smaller bites so my mouth doesn't open and close nearly as big. I'm frustrating because it was only certain foods I needed to avoid, but suddenly I am finding eating to be very uncomfortable. I did have a friend make Gazpacho and that was very easy to eat so that might be something else you could try. I found some recipes that just about matched his on the internet.

Thank you again for your help!!

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Permalink Reply by Richard A. "Red" Lawhern on July 27, 2011 at 11:50am

Something else occurs to me: a vegetarian diet with a lot of yogurt, eggs, cheeses, pasta, beans (ligumes generally) and greens can be somewhat softer to chew. It is also generally quite tasty and can offer quite a variety of textures and fiber.

Regards, Red

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Permalink Reply by Chris K. on July 27, 2011 at 11:54am

Debbie,

Gazpacho sounds so cool and refreshing on these hot summer days. What a great idea! Mashed potatoes are another favorite of mine, so much so that I can't believe that I spaced on them before.

That's wonderful that you have a speech pathologist friend to give you tips. Thanks for sharing the info! Sometimes these little things make all the difference, so I always like hearing what has helped other people.

I hope you feel better soon.

Take care,

Chris

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Permalink Reply by Chris K. on July 27, 2011 at 11:59am

Red,

It's funny that you should say that, because I'm a vegetarian (who eats fish sometimes). Needless to say, I concur with your assessment. That said, I'm one of those vegetarians who fully supports a decision to eat meat, so if anyone as any ideas of how to incorporate meat into a "no-chew" diet, I'm sure everyone would love to hear them.

Take care,

Chris

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Permalink Reply by Richard A. "Red" Lawhern on July 27, 2011 at 12:07pm

Your mashed potatoes make my mouth water, Chris! And there are some absolutely mind-blowing recipes that involve garlic or chives...

Regards, Red

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Permalink Reply by Min on July 27, 2011 at 12:25pm

Think I am definitely going to try the smaller bites and Red's diet layout. My jaw can only benefit!! Just got done eating a sandwich and I am hurtin a little. Maybe next time I'll cut the sandwich into bite size pieces!! LOL Thanks for the info. Min

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Permalink Reply by Debbie on July 27, 2011 at 2:09pm

It all sounds wonderful. Pasta seems to be a pain trigger for me so I am trying to stay away from it, but I think there may be some other options out there. I will tell my friend that I passed on her advice and she is thanked. I know her from pottery and she was just observing me and offered her advice. I may ask her more questions and pass them along. It is just difficult to slow down and do things differently. Thank you all again!

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Permalink Reply by Carolina on July 27, 2011 at 2:55pm

I drink Ensure or Mioplex when I can't chew, It offers a good number of nutrients and proteins.

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Bryant on July 27, 2011 at 6:36pm

I have survived on chicken and rice soup, or without the chicken if you prefer. I do not let it get too hot. The old stand by of course is mashed potatoes but try sweet potatoes instead of the traditional kinds.

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Permalink Reply by ClBenson on July 27, 2011 at 7:11pm

Salisbury Steaks, Meatloaf are usuallya pretty good option. Mashed potatoes, tuna cassarole, any soups withough crunchies. Protien shakes and Ensure are my favorite when all else fails.

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Permalink Reply by SF Bill on July 27, 2011 at 10:52pm

I'll add quinoao to the discussion. It's a protein packed grain from South America (?Peru?). You've received a wonderful response. I suggest a Living With TN pot luck Thanksgiving Dinner at your home.