What Can & Can’t I Eat After Dental Treatment?
Wondering what to eat after dental treatment? This is your ultimate guide. From minor procedures such as fillings to full mouth dental implants, we are here to tell you everything you can and cannot eat once your procedure is complete. Skip to:
- General eating tips after dental treatment
- What to eat after tooth extraction
- What to eat after a root canal
- What to eat after dental implant surgery
- What to eat after teeth whitening
- What to eat after getting a dental crown
- What to eat after porcelain veneers
- What to eat after a filling
- Foods you can eat with braces
- Foods you can eat with clear aligners
General eating tips after dental treatment
First of all, the aftercare advice presented by your dentist will differ from treatment to treatment, and even patient to patient. It is therefore imperative that you follow the specific instructions given to help ensure a smooth recovery. A general tip is that, if you have received any form of sedation or anaesthetic, we do not recommend eating for 2 - 3 hours. This prevents you from accidentally biting your cheek or scalding yourself. Then, for the following 48 hours while your mouth is feeling tender, try to avoid consuming anything at a very hot or cold temperature. This prevents short, sharp twinges of pain. In addition to this, pick foods that require minimal chewing, and only chew on the side of the mouth that hasn’t been treated (if possible).
What to eat after tooth extraction
It is important to avoid anything small or bitty that may become stuck in the extraction site, as this can lead to serious infections. Stick to nutritious soft foods for at least 48 hours after your procedure. Do not use a straw either as this could disrupt the formation of the blood clot.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Yoghurt
Popcorn
Luke-warm soups and broths
Nuts
Mashed potato
Raw vegetables
Scrambled eggs
Alcohol
Tofu
Spicy curries and pastas
Pasta
Chewing gum
Smoothies
Rice, seeds and quinoa
What to eat after a root canal
Waiting 2 - 3 hours before eating is vital for root canal patients. Why? This time allows your filling to fully set. Two side effects of this treatment includes swelling and tender gums, so stick to soft foods for the first few days. If you are in pain, cut your meals up into smaller pieces to minimise the strain caused by chewing.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Yoghurt
Chewing gum
Shredded meat
Nuts
Scrambled eggs
Popcorn
Pasta
Seeds
Bananas
Hard sweets
Luke-warm soups and broths
Steak
Soft bread (no crusts)
Spicy curries and pastas
What to eat after dental implant surgery
Dental implants require a much more intensive surgery, and subsequently have different aftercare instructions. In terms of dietary modifications, we advise sticking to liquid foods only for the first two days post-procedure, before eating soft foods only for a further two weeks. Keep your meals dairy-free to minimise the risk of infection.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Yoghurt
Seeds and legumes
Scrambled eggs
Spicy curries and pastas
Fish
Hard, sticky sweets
Chicken
Popcorn
Sweet potato
Alcohol
Luke-warm soups and broths
Raw vegetables
Apple sauce
Crusts
What to eat after teeth whitening
Teeth whitening requires no modification or removal of a tooth. Therefore, your diet doesn’t need to drastically change. However, your teeth are susceptible to staining and sensitivity in the first 48 hours following your treatment. Here are our food and drink recommendations.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Chicken
Tea
White fish
Coffee
Turkey
Red wine
Plain white rice
Tomato and soy-based sauces
Water
Colourful spices (like turmeric)
Milk
Red meat
Basic white potatoes
Pigmented fruits and vegetables
What to eat after getting a dental crown
In the first 24 hours while your crown fully sets, we recommend opting for a soft food diet only. This also helps to minimise discomfort. After this time period, you can reintroduce harder foods back into your diet, but be aware that a dental crown is susceptible to damage. This is your guide for 24 hours post-crown fitting.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Mashed potatoes
Nuts
Smoothies
Chewing gum
Yoghurt
Ice
Scrambled eggs
Hard, sticky sweets
Baked fish
Granola
Steamed vegetables
Staining substances, like red wine
Luke-warm soups and broths
Popcorn
What to eat after porcelain veneers
For most patients, the adjustment period for porcelain veneers is 2 - 4 weeks. During this period, you will be getting used to your new bite, while potentially experiencing some sensitivity. Like your natural teeth, porcelain veneers can chip, crack and stain if not well cared for.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Eggs
Ice
Soft bread (no crust)
Nuts
Cheese
Hard, sticky sweets
Pasta
Chewing gum
Fish
Caffeine
Mashed potatoes
Red wine
Cooked vegetables
Popcorn
What to eat after a filling
To protect your newly fixed tooth and diminish the risk of discomfort, knowing what to eat after a filling is essential. Once again, maintaining a diet that is free of crunchy, hard, sticky, spicy or acidic foods is key, especially in the 48 hours following the day of your dental treatment.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Luke-warm soups and broths
Sweets
Salads
Popcorn
Room temperature water
Nuts
Smoothies
Ice
Scrambled eggs
Fizzy drinks
Pasta
Chewing gum
Mashed potatoes
Caramel and toffee
Foods you can eat with braces
Thanks to their complex system of wires and brackets, fixed braces can make eating certain foods difficult. You want to avoid anything that may cause damage to this orthodontic device or exacerbate sensitivity, especially after your braces have been tightened.
Food & drinks to eat
Food & drinks to avoid
Oatmeal
Chewing gum
Scrambled eggs
Popcorn
Soft fruits and vegetables (like banana)
Pretzels
Chicken
Meat on the bone
Tofu
Corn on the cob
Tortillas and wraps
Sodas and fizzy drinks
Mashed potatoes
Nuts
Foods you can eat with clear aligners
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that, since they are removable, you do not need to modify your diet. However, while your teeth shift, you may face discomfort. Manage this temporary pain with soft foods, room-temperature meals and beverages and your usual over-the-counter medication. Remove your aligners before eating. The only thing you are able to drink while wearing is water - if you wish to have tea, coffee or sparkling water, you need to take out the trays. Don’t forget to brush your teeth before wearing your aligners once more. Conclusion: Remember that you know your body best. If you are unsure about making any changes to your diet, consult with your doctor or dietician. Alternatively, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite with any questions you might have about dental treatment aftercare.