Root canal treatment is a vital procedure aimed at saving teeth affected by decay or infection. By removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them, this treatment effectively halts the spread of infection and protects your natural smile. Post-treatment care is essential for ensuring a smooth recovery and preventing complications, and diet plays a significant role. Understanding what foods to eat and avoid can significantly impact the healing process.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
A root canal addresses decayed or infected teeth by removing all infected pulp to prevent further complications. The inside portion of your tooth is called the root canal, which contains the dental pulp, soft tissue made of blood vessels and nerves that aids in the development of the tooth. Bacteria can enter the root canal through a crack or a deep cavity in a tooth and infect the pulp. The procedure involves removing infected pulp, disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and filling it with a rubbery replacement material. In most cases a crown will need to be placed over the existing tooth, first a temporary one and then a permanent one. A root canal is sometimes done proactively to prevent an infection if a tooth is cracked or severely decayed. Modern root canal treatments are effective and relatively painless, but the affected area needs time to heal.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
Immediately following your procedure, you should avoid eating until the numbness from the local anesthesia has worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. The area of the root canal will be sensitive, and the temporary seal you have on it is not meant for the constant heavy force of chewing.
Healing from a root canal treatment is rather quick. Most patients experience a little soreness within the first few days afterwards, but this can often be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If you’re experiencing slight discomfort after your procedure, don’t worry, it’s normal for this to persist for a few days. For a quick fix, try rinsing with luke-warm saltwater.
Foods to Avoid After a Root Canal
After a root canal treatment, it’s important to avoid certain types of foods to ensure a smooth recovery. Certain foods can damage your vulnerable tooth. Not to mention that the area is going to be sensitive so chewing on something hard or tough may actually not feel very pleasant.
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Hard Foods: Chewing hard foods can put too much pressure on a tooth that has been treated, potentially causing it to crack or damage the temporary filling. Avoid hard foods like nuts that are difficult to chew and tend to get stuck between teeth.
Chewy and Sticky Foods: After a root canal, it’s best to avoid chewy and sticky foods as they can cause trouble. They can stick to the treated tooth and surrounding area, making it difficult to clean and potentially dislodging the temporary filling. It would be best to avoid chewy foods like meat, jerky, and hard breads that may cause soreness. Avoid sticky candy like gummies and hard candy. Gum: Avoid chewing gum after your root canal.
Crunchy Foods: Crunchy foods, similar to hard foods, can put stress on your tooth and may cause discomfort or damage. Foods like chips, crackers, taco shells, and popcorn are best to avoid because they can be scratchy as well as hard.
Spicy and Acidic Foods: Spicy and acidic foods can irritate the sensitive tissues in your mouth, leading to increased discomfort and prolonged healing time. It may be more comfortable for you to avoid acidic foods and beverages, including coffee, white wine, tomato sauce, soda, citrus fruit, and vinegar. Look for foods that don’t contain ingredients that might irritate your mouth, such as strong spices and other foods that cause sensations in your mouth, like tingling or heat.
Hot Foods and Beverages: Hot foods and beverages can cause sensitivity in the treated area and may lead to burns or discomfort if the treated tooth is still numb. Very hot or cold foods may irritate your healing gums, skin, and soft tissues. Avoid overly hot or cold food and drinks. You may experience temperature sensitivity in your gums or teeth, so it’s best to keep it to mild temperatures. We recommend staying away from overly hot and cold items not to irritate any sensitive areas.
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Alcohol: Alcohol can have a drying effect on your mouth and may interfere with any medications you are taking for pain or infection. Avoid alcohol while you heal; not only are most beverages containing alcohol acidic, but alcohol itself is a blood thinner, which can complicate and slow down your healing process.
Non-food items: It is always best to avoid chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, and any item that isn’t food, but especially after a root canal.
Recommended Foods for Recovery
Now that we’ve covered what not to eat, it’s also essential to know which foods are safe and beneficial to consume during your recovery period. We recommend enjoying soft foods after your procedure to avoid irritation and allow your mouth to recover. Deciding what to eat after a root canal can be challenging. Just because you have to eat soft foods, doesn’t mean things have to be boring. If you get creative, you may be surprised at just how many unique soft food combinations there are out there. Add some seasonings, sauces, or gravy and make a delicious meal.
Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t irritate or damage the treated area. Eat soft foods that are reasonably nutritious.
Examples of safe and beneficial foods:
Soft Foods: Soft foods are easy on your teeth and gums, lowering the chances of irritation or discomfort. They are simple to chew and swallow, making them perfect for the early recovery phase. Recommended Foods: During recovery, focus on soft, nutritious foods that won’t irritate your mouth or cause discomfort.
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Soups and Broths: Soups and broths are great options, particularly in the days right after this treatment. Warm (not hot!) soups are comforting and easy on the teeth. Extreme temperatures may increase sensitivity. They offer hydration and vital nutrients, and minimal chewing is needed.
Smoothies and Shakes: Smoothies and shakes provide a flexible method to enjoy a range of nutrients without chewing. They can be customized to suit your flavor preferences and dietary requirements. A mostly liquid diet may be best for the first 24 hours following your root canal. Smoothies, protein drinks, and soft foods like yogurt and jello would be best. Cold foods are also better because they help to reduce swelling and prevent irritation.
Soft Proteins: Adequate protein intake is crucial for healing and recovery. Soft proteins are simpler to handle and assist in maintaining muscle mass while repairing tissues.
Dairy Products: Dairy products are typically soft and are an excellent source of calcium and protein. They both play a significant role in supporting overall health and aiding recovery.
Scrambled eggs: The following day you may be ready for some slightly more solid and warmer foods, such as soup, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
Mashed potatoes
Yogurt with soft fruit
Lukewarm soup
Cooked vegetables.
Pasta, soft fruits and vegetables, and even soft bread. After 72 hours: If you feel up to it, it may be safe to try pasta, soft fruits and vegetables, and even soft bread. Any tenderness may have subsided by this time, but it is still wise to be cautious about eating.
Long-Term Considerations
Beyond just what to eat, how you eat is important for a smooth recovery. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the treated area, take small bites, and eat slowly. When you are ready to chew harder foods, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where the root canal was done. If you still have a temporary crown, it can be more easily dislodged than your permanent crown. Once the permanent crown has been placed, you may be ready to eat normally again.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Even though the treated tooth is sensitive, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection. So, the root canal is complete. Great job! It’s safe to return to the regular routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once. Keep in mind that, initially, you may need to temporarily adapt your oral hygiene routine, so it can be a good idea to avoid foods that easily get stuck between your teeth, like popcorn. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the treated area until it has healed sufficiently.
Additional Post-Treatment Care Instructions
- Your dentist will provide specific post-treatment care instructions tailored to your individual needs.
- Keep an eye out for any signs of complications, such as excessive pain, swelling, or fever.
- Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist and can aid in the healing process.