Tooth infection occurs when the region surrounding your teeth becomes infected with germs. The early stage, known as gingivitis, can be reversed with proper mouth hygiene. The next stage, periodontitis, is more difficult to cure.
However, you can fight these infections by consuming the appropriate foods. In this blog, we’ll list the 9 food items you can eat with a tooth infection that help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
How Do You Know If You Have a Tooth Infection?
First things first, how would you know if you have a tooth infection? Well, a dentist can easily diagnose an infection in your tooth. However, some identifiable symptoms that indicate you have a tooth infection are:
- Toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Bad taste and odor
- Difficulty in chewing
- Headache
- Fever
- Swelling of the face/neck
What to Eat With Tooth Infection?
Now comes the bit you’ve been waiting for: What food items should you eat with a tooth infection? The dental infection-friendly foods include:
- Foods Containing Probiotics
There are healthy bacteria, just as there are harmful bacteria. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can help regulate the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth, combating plaque buildup and gingivitis.
Probiotics may be found in various foods, including yogurt, pickles, kimchi, etc. - Fatty Fish
Lake trout and other fatty fish, such as salmon and cod, are high in Omega-3, which is beneficial for lowering inflammation in the body and the gums. - Cheese
Milk and other dairy products help strengthen our bodies and improve dental health. Dairy is high in calcium, which helps to strengthen our bones, and it contains anti-bacterial enzymes that maintain healthy gums and teeth. - Nuts and Seeds
Sesame seeds, pecans, and pistachios are among the nuts and seeds containing omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is important to include in your diet since it reduces inflammation and can even help reverse oral infection. - Chicken
Chicken includes two sources of oral hygiene benefits: collagen and Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). When you develop a gum disease, the tissue in your gums reorganizes, causing collagen breakdown. So, consuming chicken, which is high in collagen, can help to avoid this. - Oatmeal
Consuming whole grains (oatmeal and brown rice) reduces the probability of gum disease. - Bell Peppers
Green and red bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, fights disease-causing germs, and helps regenerate gums. - Apples
Apples are high in vitamins and minerals, and their hard texture forces you to chew to finish the food. This helps to eliminate plaque that accumulates and adheres to your teeth during the day, leaving you with a happy stomach. - Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are abundant in beta-carotene, making them an ideal addition to our list.
Final Thoughts
Nobody wants to live with a toothache all the time. That’s why prevention is important. Good dental hygiene, including twice-daily teeth brushing, considerably reduces the risk of mouth infections and toothaches.
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help with your dental health, visit Saifee Family Dentistry. Contact us today at (281) 350-5600 to set up a free consultation.