A root canal is a dental procedure designed to restore a damaged tooth by removing infected or decayed tissue from inside the tooth, sealing the canals (the inner pathways), and restoring the tooth with a dental crown.
Although root canals are common outpatient treatments, many people aren’t sure what to do afterward, especially regarding the question, “When can I eat after root canal?”
Read on to find out more about the best times and types of food to eat after a root canal.
When Can I Eat After Root Canal?
You can usually eat 30 to 45 minutes after a root canal, allowing the temporary filling time to fully set. However, it’s typically advised to wait until the anesthetic wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Eating while still numb can lead to accidental bites on your cheek, tongue, or lip, which may cause discomfort or even injury. Once the numbness fades, you’ll also be more aware of how your mouth feels, making it easier to chew carefully without putting too much pressure on the treated tooth.
Foods to Eat After a Root Canal
As long as you avoid using the treated tooth to bite or chew, you should be able to enjoy soft foods without discomfort.
Here’s a variety of soft foods to help you create balanced meals that won’t irritate the area:
For Protein | For Fats | Fruits & Vegetables | Grains |
Eggs | Yogurt | Soup | Oatmeal |
Canned tuna | Avocado | Applesauce | Couscous |
Hummus | Cottage cheese | Smoothies | Quinoa |
Tofu | Cottage cheese | Bananas | Pasta |
Meatloaf | Mangos | Polenta | |
Peanut butter | Pears | ||
Beans | Mashed potatoes | ||
Baked sweet potato | |||
Pureed winter squash |
After a root canal, it’s essential to focus on foods that are easy to eat and don’t require much chewing to protect the treated area. Soft, gentle foods minimize pressure on the tooth and help prevent irritation, allowing the area to heal more comfortably.
Foods to Avoid After a Root Canal
- Steer clear of hard and sticky foods that might dislodge a temporary crown or strain the area that was treated.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, as they may aggravate any sensitivity in your gums or teeth.
- Sticky treats like taffy, gum, and candy which could pull out a temporary crown
- Hard items like candy, peanut brittle, and ice cubes that could chip or damage the treated tooth
- Very hot or cold foods and drinks that may trigger sensitivity or discomfort
- Sugary foods that can create an environment where bacteria can build up, increasing the risk of infection around the treated tooth
Simple Tips for Comfortable Eating After a Root Canal
- Wait Until Numbness Fades: Avoid eating until the anesthesia wears off to prevent accidental bites to your cheek, tongue, or lip.
- Choose Soft Foods: Start with easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes, which won’t strain the treated tooth.
- Chew on the Opposite Side: Minimize pressure on the treated area by using the opposite side of your mouth to chew.
- Cut Food into Small Pieces: Breaking food into smaller bites makes it easier to chew and reduces the risk of irritation.
- Opt for Lukewarm Foods: Avoid hot and cold extremes by choosing foods at a mild temperature to prevent sensitivity.
- Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: Skip foods like caramel, gum, or nuts, which can stick to or damage the treated tooth.
- Take Small Sips of Liquids: If your mouth is still sensitive, small sips instead of big gulps can make drinking more comfortable.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief if Needed: If discomfort persists, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, but check with your dentist first for recommendations.
Other Best Practices Post Root Canal
Apart from providing you with some general guidelines on when and what you can eat after a root canal, your dentist will give you other recommendations, which might include:
- Continue brushing your teeth as usual to keep up good oral hygiene.
- Avoid flossing around a temporary crown to prevent loosening or damaging it.
- To reduce inflammation, gargle with salt water three times daily by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt into warm water, swishing for a minute, then spitting it out.
- If your dentist prescribes antibiotics to help prevent infection, make sure to follow the full course as directed to minimize the risk of the infection returning.
Takeaway
If you’re undergoing a root canal, it’s essential to know when and what you can eat afterward.
In general, once the anesthesia has dissipated and your mouth and gums have regained feeling, you should be able to enjoy soft foods as you gradually reintroduce your favorite meals.
Your dentist will typically give you post-procedure instructions to follow. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with them both before and after the treatment.
Still Got Questions About Your Root Canal?
Get in touch with the dentists at Chevy Chase Dental Care in Chevy Chase, MD and learn more about when it is safe to eat after a root canal.
FAQs
How long should I wait before eating harder foods after my root canal?
You should wait at least a few days before reintroducing harder foods, depending on your comfort level and how well the tooth is healing. Your dentist can provide guidance based on your specific situation.
Can I eat hot or cold foods after a root canal?
It’s best to avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks initially, as they can trigger sensitivity in the treated tooth. Aim for mild temperatures to minimize discomfort.