Salman Khan opens up about having the ‘suicidal disease’: ‘It used to take me an hour and a half to have my breakfast’; why eating becomes so painful

He added, “It is the worst pain. It is called ‘the suicidal disease.’ Maximum number of suicides happen because of this condition.” 

“You would not want your biggest enemy to have that pain. I had it for seven and a half years,” he added.

Khan’s daily life was also severely affected. He mentioned, “And this used to happen every four-five minutes. It used to take me an hour and a half to have my breakfast and I used to go straight to dinner. For an omelette, it used to take me… because I couldn’t… so I used to force myself (to eat)” The intensity of the pain made the act of chewing such a slow and difficult process that something as ordinary as finishing a meal became a challenge.

While medical treatments exist, day-to-day management is equally crucial for those coping with TN. From choosing food textures that are easier to chew to maintaining oral hygiene without triggering pain and even managing sensitivity to food temperature, lifestyle modifications can make a meaningful difference. 

So, for someone with TN, how important is food texture when planning meals?

Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, MBBS, MD, general medicine and consultant physician, tells indianexpress.com, “For someone with trigeminal neuralgia, food texture plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of pain flare-ups. Soft, smooth foods that require minimal chewing are generally more comfortable to eat. Options like well-cooked vegetables, mashed or pureed foods, soups, smoothies, and soft grains are often easier to tolerate.”

He adds, “Avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can help reduce pressure on the facial nerves and limit sudden jaw movements that might trigger pain. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions can also lessen the strain on the chewing muscles.”

Strategies or modifications that can make oral care safer and less painful

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, Dr Reddy suggests, brushing slowly with gentle circular motions, and selecting toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can make the process less irritating. 

Warm water rinses or mild, alcohol-free mouthwashes can be used as a substitute for vigorous brushing when pain is severe. “Electric toothbrushes with pressure control can also help because they require less manual movement and allow for more consistent, gentle cleaning. Scheduling oral care during periods when pain is minimal, such as after medication, can further reduce discomfort,” mentions the expert. 

Effective coping mechanisms or routines that help minimise triggers and make eating more comfortable

Dr Reddy notes that temperature sensitivity is common in trigeminal neuralgia and can make eating both hot and cold foods uncomfortable. “Choosing foods and drinks that are lukewarm or at room temperature is often the safest approach. Allowing hot dishes to cool slightly before eating and avoiding ice-cold beverages can help prevent sudden nerve stimulation. Sipping through a straw may help direct liquids away from sensitive areas of the mouth,” concludes Dr Reddy. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.