Foods to Eat and Avoid After Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure done at the center of a tooth to treat infection in the dental pulp and save the infected tooth. This treatment by the dentist in Salmon Arm relieves dental pain, preserves the damaged tooth, protects surrounding teeth and gums from infection, and restores your smile.

After a root canal treatment near you, you must observe your diet. Eating the correct type of food will activate healing and reduce discomfort as you recover. Consume a balanced diet with adequate nutrients that help in the healing process. You must avoid some foods and beverages following root canal treatment as they may cause pain and delayed healing.

Foods to Eat After Root Canal Treatment

The dentist near you will advise you to wait a few hours after the surgery before eating as the teeth and gums are numb after the procedure due to the anesthesia. Eating or drinking before the numbness wears off might lead you to bite or burn your tongue or cheeks or even damage the temporary filling.

After a root canal treatment in Salmon Arm, there are foods that the dentist recommends to aid in the recovery process. Some of them include:

• Soft Foods

After treatment, the soreness in your mouth and jaw will require you to eat soft foods until the area heals. You may opt for a liquid diet on the day of the surgery if the swelling and tenderness in your mouth prevent you from chewing soft foods. Consume foods that do not require you to bite down or chew after a root canal procedure until the tooth is completely restored and a permanent crown placed. Your diet will slowly advance to hard foods as you heal.

• Nutritious Diet

A balanced diet full of nutritious foods will speed the healing process. Ensure that your diet contains fruits, proteins, starches, healthy fats, and vegetables. Protein must be a part of every meal or drink since it is essential for healing the gums and tissues after root canal treatment.

• Soothing Liquids

Take cool, nutritious liquids that soothe the operated area, ease discomfort and provide nourishment. Do not use a straw as the excess pressure may dislodge the blood clot and delay recovery.

Recommended Foods and Beverages after Root Canal Therapy

• Cranberry Or Grape Juices
• Lukewarm Pureed Soups
• Smoothies
• Yoghurt
• Gelatin
• Milkshakes
• Eggs
• Pasta
• Noodles
• Oatmeal
• Popsicles
• Pudding
• Soft Cheeses
• Fish
• Soft Fruits
• Pancake
• Avocado
• Tofu
• Mashed Potatoes
• Spinach

Foods to Avoid After Root Canal Treatment

The dentist in Salmon Arm recommends that patients avoid certain foods or drinks after root canal treatment. Some of these include:

1. Extreme temperatures

In the immediate period after the crown is placed, your teeth will experience sensitivity. Avoid too cold or hot foods and drinks. Hot drinks can irritate your gum tissue and inhibit the healing process. You must monitor the temperature of your food or beverages as extreme temperatures lead to tooth sensitivity.

2. Hot and Spicy foods

Stay away from spicy foods as the operated area is tender after treatment. Your teeth may also be irritated by the spices in the food. In addition, hot and spicy foods interfere with gum regeneration, therefore, delaying the recovery process.

3. Alcoholic drinks

Do not take alcohol after the procedure as it interferes with medication and can dissolve some temporary fillings. Alcohol may also lead to excessive bleeding that hinders the recovery procedure.

4. Hard and crunchy foods

Hard foods irritate the teeth and may cause excess strain to the treated tooth and gums. Avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, bagels, and cookies.

5. Difficult to chew foods

Foods that are difficult to chew can pull out the temporary filling from the treated tooth, leaving a gap for bacteria to enter through. Avoid steak, deli meats, and poultry until the tooth heals entirely and firmly places the permanent crown.

Now that you know what to eat and avoid after a root canal treatment, you may schedule an appointment at Montebello Dental Clinic for the procedure. The experienced dental team also offers dental services such as dental cleaning and polishing, complete oral exam, filling restoration, wisdom tooth extraction, crowns and veneers, and many more.