What To Eat After A Root Canal
Root canals are a specialty of Yorkshire Dental Suite. If you think you are in need of this treatment, contact us today. We offer same and next day appointments if you are experiencing pain.
Soft foods that require minimal chewing are best for patients who have just had a root canal. Anything hard, sticky or crunchy should be avoided for at least 48 hours to support a smooth recovery.
Eating after a root canal: What you can and can’t eat
Knowing what foods are best after a root canal is crucial to help minimise discomfort. It also prevents damage to your filling or temporary crown (if you have had one fitted). Here are just a few examples of suitable foods:
- Eggs
- Yoghurt
- Potato
- Noodles
- Pasta
- Tofu
- Fish
- Smoothies
- Soups and broths
- Steamed or mashed vegetables
Now, let’s talk about foods to keep clear of. Avoid anything spicy or foods that are hard, sticky, or crunchy in texture. It is also important to be mindful of temperatures - very hot or cold substances may amplify discomfort. If able, we advise cutting out:
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Chewing gum
- Hard sweets
- Ice
- Apples
- Hard bread
- Raw vegetables
- Hot curries
- Chewy meats, like steak
Can you smoke after a root canal?
We strongly advise against smoking after a root canal. This is because it can delay healing and increase your risk of infection. If you are absolutely unable to stop smoking, try and wait at least one week following your root canal treatment. You could even use this period of time to try and quit the habit.
Alcohol after root canal: Is it recommended?
Similar to smoking, alcohol can delay healing and interact dangerously with prescribed antibiotics or pain medication. Wait until your course of antibiotics have finished, or at least 72 hours following the treatment. Stick to water instead - hydration is a key part of a successful recovery!
Top 5 root canal recovery tips
Alongside slight diet modifications, there are a number of things you may do to protect your newly repaired tooth. Here are our top five root canal aftercare tips, put together by the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite.
- Practice good oral hygiene: This helps to protect against further infection. Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time, taking extra care around the affected tooth. Don’t forget to floss too!
- Avoid strenuous activities: It is vital that you take it easy following your procedure to avoid placing any unnecessary pressure on the treated tooth. For the first 48 hours, avoid moderate to intense exercise.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Using their expertise and specialist tools, your dentist will check to see if your mouth is successfully healing from the surgery, and if there are any issues with your root canal that need attention.
- Manage discomfort with medications: Temporary sensitivity is very common after root canal surgery. Treat this with your usual over-the-counter pain medication - just remember to follow your dentist’s recommended dosage and frequency.
- Rinse with warm saltwater: A great tip if you are struggling with inflammation and discomfort. Add half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of water, mix and gently swish for 30 seconds, 2 - 3 times per day. Start at least 24 hours post-procedure to avoid disturbing your filling.
A question we often receive is, how long does it take to recover from a root canal? While it may differ slightly from patient to patient, recovery typically takes 3 - 7 days. Most return to their everyday routine within 48 hours.
Conclusion:
If you have any questions about what to eat after a root canal, or are concerned about how your mouth is healing post-procedure, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you during every step of your journey.