A broken tooth requires professional dental attention immediately, but while awaiting your appointment, careful eating is necessary to prevent further damage or discomfort. The enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth, is compromised, leaving the underlying sensitive dentin or even the pulp exposed and vulnerable to pressure and temperature changes. This temporary dietary modification minimizes strain on the injured tooth and reduces the risk of food particles becoming lodged in the fracture site. By focusing on very soft foods, you can maintain nutrition without causing additional pain before a dentist can properly assess and treat the injury.
Immediate Safe Food Choices
Foods requiring minimal to no chewing are the safest options to protect the exposed structures of a broken tooth. The goal is to consume items that have a smooth, mashed, or liquid consistency, bypassing the need for forceful biting or grinding. Liquids like protein shakes, nutritional supplement drinks, and smooth broths made from chicken or vegetables provide essential calories and nutrients without placing stress on the injured tooth.
Soft solids are also appropriate, provided they are prepared to a consistency that is easily swallowed. Excellent choices include plain yogurt, pudding, or custard, which are nutrient-dense and soothing. Mashed potatoes, soft-scrambled eggs, and well-cooked oatmeal also serve as filling staples.
For protein and fiber, opt for items that have been cooked until very tender or completely pureed. This includes soft, flaky fish, tofu, or well-cooked beans that are mashed or blended into a soup. Ensure any cooked food is prepared to a soft enough state that it can be easily cut with a fork and requires almost no compression between the teeth to consume.
Textures and Temperatures to Avoid
Certain food textures pose a high risk of worsening a broken tooth or causing intense pain and should be avoided entirely. Hard or crunchy items, such as nuts, hard candies, ice, and popcorn, can exert uneven pressure that may extend the fracture or cause a vulnerable piece of the tooth to break off completely. Crunchy snacks like chips or hard pretzels can also scrape the tooth surface or lodge sharp fragments into the fracture line.
Sticky and chewy foods also present a hazard because they require a pulling or shearing force to remove them, which can dislodge temporary fillings or further compromise the broken structure. This category includes caramels, taffy, chewing gum, and tough meats that resist easy breakdown. The sudden suction created by pulling these foods away may cause sharp pain if the nerve is exposed.
Extremes of temperature are dangerous because a broken tooth often has exposed dentin, which contains microscopic tubules leading directly to the pulp and nerve. Very hot liquids, like steaming coffee or tea, and very cold items, such as ice cream or ice cubes, can trigger an intense, immediate pain response known as thermal shock. It is best to stick to foods and beverages that are lukewarm or close to room temperature to prevent nerve irritation.
Eating Strategies and Post-Meal Care
The mechanics of eating need to be adjusted to protect the damaged tooth from any unnecessary force. Always cut food, even soft items, into very small pieces before placing them in your mouth to minimize the effort required to chew. This strategy prevents the need to bite down forcefully, which could introduce pressure across the fracture plane.
Chewing should be performed exclusively on the side of the mouth opposite the broken tooth, directing all grinding force away from the injury site. If the broken tooth is near the front, avoid biting into food with the anterior teeth. Instead, use your hands to place food directly into the back of your mouth on the safe side. Avoid sucking motions, such as drinking through a straw, as the resulting negative pressure can cause discomfort near the fracture.
After consuming any food, gentle hygiene is necessary to prevent food debris from settling into the fracture and causing irritation or bacterial accumulation. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water immediately after eating to dislodge any residual particles. A gentle rinse with a warm saltwater solution (made with a half-teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can further help to soothe the area and keep it clean.