Healing and comfort are of utmost importance following root canal treatment. The types of foods consumed can largely determine recovery. Consumption of some foods may increase pain or damage or even infect the treated tooth.
So, what foods to avoid after root canal treatment? In this blog post, we will look at the foods that will hinder your healing and some recommendations we make to aid you in feeling better and recovering.
1. Foods and Drinks that are Hot
The treated tooth will likely be very sensitive to temperature, which is another reason why anything hot may cause discomfort or even pain.
Why should you avoid it?
- Hot foods and drinks might irritate the nerves of the treated area and cause avoidable discomfort.
- If the procedure was done just recently, your tooth might still be somewhat tender, and hot temperature might aggravate it.
What to skip?
- Hot coffee
- Tea
- Soups
What to choose instead?
- Opt for lukewarm or room-temperature liquids.
- Soup is okay, but make sure it is cooled down adequately before eating it.
2. Sticky and Chewy Foods
Chewy foods are many people’s favorites, yet they are quite a partner in crime toward a tooth recently treated. After root canal therapy, the tooth becomes more prone to pressure and movement, and sticky foods can give rise to discomfort or, worse yet, damage to the temporary filling in the tooth.
Why should you avoid it?
- Sticky foods may get stuck in the treated area and may pull on the filling or aggravate the area.
- Chewy textures require extra effort to be eaten, thus placing unwanted stress on the tooth.
What to avoid?
- Chewing gum.
- Caramel, toffee, taffy, or other sticky candies.
- Dried fruits like raisins and apricots.
What is wise to choose instead?
- Softer foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs.
- Fruits such as bananas or berries don’t need strong chewing.
3. Hard Foods
These foods may seem harmless, but they tend to pose major concerns after root canal therapy. Hard biting is essentially an act of putting excess pressure on the treated tooth, potentially causing fractures or damage to the filling.
Why should you avoid it?
- Hard foods can put too much pressure on the treated tooth and cause pain or even break a filling.
- Chewing on something hard may aggravate an already tender tooth.
What to avoid?
- Nuts, hard candies, and ice cubes.
- Chips, crackers, and hard crusted bread.
- Raw vegetables like carrots or celery.
What to choose?
- Soft-cooked vegetables, like steamed broccoli or mashed sweet potatoes, are easy to chew.
- Fruits that don’t need much chewing, like watermelon or ripe peaches.
4. Acidic Foods
After a root canal procedure, acidic foods can pose as a stealthy irritant. Though wonderful, citrus and other acidic foods irritate the treatment site and may cause pain and discomfort.
What makes it worse?
- Acidic foods might heighten sensitivity levels in treated teeth and hamper the process of healing.
- They can cause burning or an increased sensation of exposure.
Foods to Avoid:
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, or grapefruit.
- Tomatoes, pickles, and dressing based on vinegar.
What to choose instead?
- Non-acidic fruits, such as bananas, pears, and apples.
- Dressing with mild flavors, such as vinaigrette oil-based dressing or yogurt dressing.
5. Sugary Foods
While sugary foods rank low on most lists of foods to avoid after root canal procedures, the role they play during recovery cannot be ignored. Excess sugar can act as food for bacteria, thus predisposing to any infuriating infection and delaying recovery.
Why should you avoid them?
- Sugar feeds microorganisms in the mouth and might potentially cause infections or cavities in the treated area.
- Sugary foods can further aggravate tender tissues surrounding the tooth.
What to Avoid?
- Candies, pastries, or cakes.
- Sodas, sweet teas, or fruit juices.
- Granola bars or cookies.
What to Go for?
- Fresh fruits (in moderation)
- Unsweetened yogurt
- Herbal teas or infused water
Post-Root Canal Diet Checklist
Foods to Avoid:
- Very hot drinks or soups
- Sticky candies and gum
- Hard foods like nuts and raw veggies
- Citrus or acidic sauces
- Sugary snacks and sodas
Foods to Embrace:
- Soft, cool, non-acidic foods
- Lukewarm soups
- Steamed veggies and soft grains
- Hydrating, sugar-free drinks
Taking care of your mouth after root canal treatment is important for a fast and efficient recovery. Avoiding hot, sticky, hard, acidic, and sugary foods can greatly aid in the healing process of your treated tooth. It may look like a challenge at first, but there are tons of wonderful-tasting, soft foods that will keep you comfortable while healing.
Follow your dentist’s orders, take proper care of your teeth, and show up for any necessary follow-up appointments. Your teeth and taste buds will appreciate it!
