What should you eat after the root canal?

The root canal is one of the common treatments that people get when they suffer from pulp infection in the teeth due to bacteria or cavities. Though this treatment is very simple, it is still vital to pay attention to its aftercare. 

One of the most common questions patients ask after the endodontic treatment is what they can eat and how their diet will affect the treatment procedure. In the root canal treatment, the tooth is cleaned inside out, the infected pulp is removed, and later the tooth is secured with a cap.

After the treatment, it is a must to follow the dos and don’ts that come with it. There are various precautionary measures that one should take when it comes to eating habits and what one should eat.

Therefore, in this article, we have covered all the basics related to what food to eat after the root canal treatment, so to clear all your doubts, keep on reading.

Things to keep in mind before eating the first meal after a root canal

Before jumping on to the food items, let’s start with the basics and discuss what precautions or things you should keep in mind after the root canal treatment:

• Avoid chewing food that requires a lot of effort.
• It is recommended to eat on the opposite side of the treatment because it is not numb and does not require time to heal. By doing this, you will avoid getting bitten or burned.
• Foods and drinks that are extremely hot, such as hot soup, tea, or coffee, should be avoided.
• Chew your food slowly.
• Ensure you are not eating junk food for at least a few weeks after the treatment.

These are some of the tips which will help you take the necessary steps to speed up the healing process after the endodontic treatment.

What food to eat after the root canal treatment?

Below given is a list of food items that are very beneficial to consume after you get the root canal treatment. It is recommended to include these food items in your diet as much as possible for a speed-up recovery: 

• Applesauce, bananas, mangoes, pears, peaches, and fruit smoothies are some of the fruits you can enjoy
• Ice cream, milkshakes, and yogurt without chunks or nuts
• Breakfast cereals that are soft
• Cakes and puddings
• Tofu
• Eggs
• Vegetable or chicken Soup
• Fruit and vegetable salad
• Mashed vegetables, such as cauliflower and potatoes
• Hummus and bread
• Pancakes
• A creamy oatmeal and wheat bread
• Various kinds of pasta and noodles

In order to achieve a faster recovery and a healthier body, patients need to take care of their nutritional needs before consuming any of the food items listed above.

The above list provides food suggestions for dental patients who are recovering from endodontic treatment therapy. 

What food items to avoid?

Now that you know the food items that you can consume after the root canal surgery, here is the list of foods that you should not be eating: 

• There is a possibility that crunchy foods, such as carrots, corn, apples, etc., can damage the tooth or cause undue discomfort.
• Ice or nuts can damage the tooth or cause unnecessary pain, which could damage the operated side of the mouth.
• It is possible to pull out the temporary filling if you chew on bread, chewing gum, bread, or candy.
• You should avoid excessively hot food as it could increase your sensitivity.
• It is recommended that you avoid alcohol because it could increase bleeding.
• The avoidance of spicy foods is a must because it can lead to unnecessary discomfort or sensitivity.

So, we hope after reading the information given in this article, you have understood how you can manage your eating habits after the root canal treatment. But before including or excluding any food item in your diet, you should consult your oral health care provider.