Can you still drink baijiu when you have a toothache?
Oct 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, whether it is advisable to drink white liquor when experiencing tooth pain depends on the specific cause and condition of the toothache. If there is persistent tooth pain or discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause. When experiencing tooth pain, one should first identify the cause by seeking timely medical evaluation; avoid chewing food with the affected tooth, and minimize consumption of foods that are cold, hot, sour, sweet, or spicy, as these may aggravate the irritation.
Generally speaking, whether you can drink white liquor (baijiu) when experiencing tooth pain depends on the specific cause and condition of the toothache. If tooth pain persists, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the tooth pain is caused by tooth sensitivity or mild enamel wear, and there is no inflammation such as gum redness and swelling, cavities, or pulpitis, consuming a small amount of low-alcohol white liquor may not directly worsen the pain, but caution is still advised. However, since white liquor is highly irritating, even in the absence of obvious inflammation, it may stimulate sensitive areas of the teeth and cause discomfort; therefore, drinking it is not recommended.
If the tooth pain is due to inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis, dental caries, pulpitis, or apical periodontitis, or if there is tooth damage or gum bleeding, drinking white liquor is absolutely prohibited. The alcohol in white liquor can irritate inflamed tissues, exacerbating swelling and pain. It may also interfere with subsequent treatment effectiveness, potentially leading to the spread of infection and more serious oral health problems.
When experiencing tooth pain, it is essential to first identify the cause and seek timely medical evaluation. Avoid chewing food with the affected tooth, minimize intake of foods that are cold, hot, sour, sweet, or spicy, maintain good oral hygiene, rinse your mouth with warm water after meals, and if medication is needed for pain relief, strictly follow medical instructions. Never consume medication together with white liquor to prevent adverse reactions.
