Why Your Diet Matters After a Root Canal

What to expect from a root canal procedure? The treatment involves removing the affected tooth pulp, sealing the canals, and restoring your chewing functionality with a dental crown. Imagine how vulnerable the poor tooth is! Choosing soft foods to eat after a root canal can substantially benefit your oral health:

• Stimulate recovery: Nutritious post-root canal food promotes soft tissue regeneration.
• Alleviate pain: Opt for soft and non-irritating foods to minimize discomfort in the treated area.
• Avoid complications: Skip crunchy or sticky foods as they can harm a temporary tooth filling or crown.

Making a comprehensive list of foods to eat after a root canal can help you buy essential products in advance and be sufficiently prepared for the procedure.

Best Foods to Eat After a Root Canal

What can you eat after a root canal for a quicker recovery? Always prioritize your nutritional requirements and follow your endodontist’s aftercare instructions. Here’s a compilation of the best food to eat after a root canal.

1. Soft Fruits and Vegetables

Soft foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, and cottage cheese are perfect for the initial recovery period. The creamy, comforting texture makes them easy to chew and swallow, which reduces the risk of pain or irritation. They are also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients for your oral health.

2. Smoothies and Yogurt 

Smoothies spare you from the necessity to chew and supply your body with a variety of nutrients. You can blend your favorite fruits, vegetables, and greenery to match your taste preferences. Smoothies are refreshing, nutritious, and tooth-friendly: a perfect combo for root canal recovery food! Yogurt is another soothing option for your soft tissues, packed with calcium and beneficial probiotics.

3. Soups and Broths 

Soups and broths boast high nutritional value and provide essential hydration. You don’t have to overload your teeth to chew the boiled ingredients, so a bowl of chicken broth, tomato, or vegetable soup is a great way to stave off hunger after root canal therapy. Ensure it is slightly warm or at room temperature to prevent irritation of the treated area.

4. Eggs and Soft Protein Sources 

Soft proteins are indispensable for tissue repair, so you should include various foods high in protein in your post-treatment diet. Ground meat, steamed or baked fish, and soft tofu are great protein-rich foods to eat after a root canal. Scrambled eggs also fall into the category: an average chicken egg contains 0,25 ounces of natural protein.

5. Oatmeal, Rice, and Pasta

Wait around 72 hours before you proceed to chew grains. Afterward, you can enjoy eating oatmeal, pasta, and rice without putting your recovery at risk. These soft, nutritious foods are gentle on treated teeth. 

What Foods to Avoid After a Root Canal

Certain foods and drinks can negatively affect the healing process and cause discomfort or complications. Let’s discover what not to eat after a root canal. Make a mental note on the shortlist below:

1. Hard and crunchy foods. Nuts, chips, and hard candies can harm the treated tooth. Even if you chew on the other side of your mouth, your teeth will experience excessive pressure, so it’s reasonable to postpone munching hard foods till the better days.
2. Hot and spicy foods and drinks. Hot peppers, spicy sauces, and curry dishes can irritate the treated area and boost discomfort.
3. Cold foods and beverages. Since the nerve endings are still healing, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and cold smoothies can trigger sharp pain and sensitivity in the treated tooth. 
4. Alcohol. Wine, beer, and cocktails can dry out the oral cavity and postpone the healing process. Avoid drinking anything with alcohol for three weeks after the treatment.
5. Chewy and sticky foods. Chewing gum, caramel, and toffees can stick to the treated area and even dislodge the temporary filling placed after a root canal. Remember these yummies are a definite “no-no” so as not to interfere with the healing process.
6. Acidic foods and beverages. Oranges, lemons, soda, and vinegar-based dressings might seem innocent but not for the treated tooth. Acids can cause irritation and discomfort in the treated area.
7. Sugary foods and drinks. Giving up favorite desserts and sugary snacks can be a trial for a sweet tooth. However, sugar facilitates the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which might cause an infection around the treated area.

Knowing which foods to avoid after a root canal can help you promote healing and prevent complications. 

Cheers to Your Successful Recovery!

A mindful approach to eating after a root canal is a part of recovery. Follow the aftercare instructions from your doctor and opt for soft foods with a creamy texture that will be gentle on your mouth. If you have any doubts related to the post-treatment period, contact our supportive team in the Dental Office in Forest Hills, NY. We’ll promptly address your concerns and clarify your questions about root canal therapy.

Diet After Root Canal: Most Common Questions

Additional Resources

To refresh your understanding of root canals, read a brief overview by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, enriched with pictures for better visibility.