Like many people, dental problems are not exactly something you welcome with open arms. Everyone abhors teeth problems because they are so painful it feels like your whole body is on fire. Dental problems impact your life and well-being, so much so that you cannot even spend time with your family, hang out with friends, or eat out with a client when you’ve just had a dental procedure. But instead of breaking your friends’, families’, and clients’ hearts, you can follow along as long as you know what food to avoid and what only to eat when you’re in a restaurant.
It all boils down to knowledge. Do you know what is bad for you? Have you talked to your dentist about it? Did you read up about your condition? How long will it take before you’re able to go out and eat again? Can’t you wait? Is it an important occasion or client?
Braces and Orthodontic Treatments
Even if you choose to have Invisalign from your dentist, your gums and teeth will be sore for a few weeks. Sure, you don’t see the braces because this is a new technology, but it is a bit uncomfortable nonetheless. Braces and other orthodontic treatments are delicate. You cannot eat sticky and chewy food because they might affect the angle of the braces.
If you do have to eat outside and you have no control over what’s in your food, remember to avoid nuts, popcorn, gum, pizza crust, corn, hard rolls and bagels, and ribs. You can instead order soft food such as scrambled eggs, oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft bread, pancakes, and many others. The point is for you not to put undue pressure on your gums and teeth. So, anything that will trigger the braces to be misaligned is a no-no.
Canker Sores
There is no known preventive cure for canker sores. They usually just appear, but they are not contagious. Instead, it can be painful to chew food with canker sores. Avoid food that is spicy and sour. Acidic food such as sauerkraut and citrus fruits will trigger pain. Choose instead low-fat yogurt and milk, mashed potatoes, tofu, soup, cereals, and soft-cooked and shredded chicken, beef, and pork.
When you have canker sores, choose cool or room-temperature food and drink through a straw so the liquid won’t pass by your sores. You should also try eating high-protein food. You can add protein powder to your shakes, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and smoothies.
Dry Mouth
People shouldn’t treat dry mouth like it’s nothing. There could be a lingering illness that results to dry mouth. It can be a sign of certain diseases such as diabetes type 1 and 2. Some medications may also cause dry mouth. If you need to eat out while also worrying if certain food can aggravate your dry mouth more, focus on moist and wet food such as soups, broths, gravy, and sauce. Dip fried food0 into gravy first before putting it in your mouth.
You also need to avoid spicy or salty food since it can cause pain in your mouth. Caffeinated food and drinks such as coffee, tea, and sodas are also a no-no. Drinking water regularly, particularly between meals, will help with your condition.
Oral Surgery and Implants
Did you just get oral surgery? No matter for what oral disease or condition it is, there are certain types of food that you won’t be able to eat for days or sometimes, weeks. You should stay away from food that will aggravate the pain in the area of the surgery. Instead, go for nutrient-rich food rich in zinc, protein, and vitamins A and C.
As for the texture of the food, like what was mentioned above, you need a soft diet. Scrambled eggs, soft cheeses, sorbet and frozen yogurt, polenta, pasta and noodles, souffle, tofu, and hummus are some of the types of food that come to mind. For proteins, you can go for meatloaf and shredded chicken. Make sure that whatever you eat will not trigger the surgical area nor will it cause you too much pain.
Understandably, you don’t feel comfortable eating out when you have a dental problem. But in case you find yourself unable to say no to a boss, client, friend, and loved ones, there’s a way to enjoy yourself still. As with everything, your knowledge of what you should do, what you should eat, and what you should avoid will help keep your dental health in check. You can still enjoy eating out even if you’re having current dental issues or you’ve just undergone a dental procedure.
