50 soft foods to eat after root canal

Since you have a root canal, you can feel your mouth tender and sensitive. Right now, you can’t just bite on any food as it can disrupt the healing process. However, you need food to strengthen up, right?

No worries, we’ve got nutrition-riched 50 soft foods to eat after root canal, from breakfasts to snacks. Also, you’ll know which foods to avoid and what you should and shouldn’t do.

We’ve got you covered with everything to make your recovery as comfortable as possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Post-Procedure Eating: Wait until the numbness from anesthesia wears off (about 2-3 hours) before eating to avoid accidental bites or trauma.
  • Soft Food Recommendations: Choose soft, nutrient-rich foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and soups to promote healing and avoid discomfort.
  • Eating Guidelines: Chew on the opposite side of the treated tooth. Plus, take small bites, eat slowly, and avoid hot foods to prevent burns and irritation.
  • Foods to Avoid: Steer clear of sticky, hard, very cold, and acidic foods to protect the treated tooth and ensure a smooth recovery.

How Long After a Root Canal Can You Eat?

After a root canal, you should wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating. The numbness typically lasts for 2 to 3 hours after the procedure. Waiting for sensation to return helps prevent accidental bites or trauma to your mouth.

When you’re ready for soft meals to eat after root canal, keep these tips in mind —

  • Eat slowly to avoid any discomfort.
  • Chew on the opposite side of the root canal.
  • Avoid hot foods or beverages to prevent burns.

50 Soft Foods to Eat After Root Canal

When it comes to food to take after root canal treatment, you must consume those that are gentle on your mouth. But at the same time, they provide the necessary nutrients for healing.

So, here’s an extensive list of 50 soft foods, categorized by meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

best food to eat after root canal

Breakfast

These foods to eat after a root canal are gentle on your teeth and gums and help ensure a comfortable recovery.

FoodsDescription
OatmealSoothing and warm, perfect for the morning.
GritsDelicious with cheese and butter.
Greek YogurtNutrient-rich, thick, and smooth.
Miso SoupGentle and warm on the stomach.
SmoothiesBlended veggies and fruits for nutrition.
Scrambled EggsA high-protein, soft food that is easy to eat.
Cottage CheeseHigh in protein, soft, easy to consume.
Mashed BananasSweet and soft, easy to mash and eat.
SemolinaBoiled to porridge, easy to digest.
Soft PancakesFluffy and easy to chew.
Soft MuffinsAvoid nuts and keep it moist.
Soft WafflesIt’s easy to eat as it’s softened with syrup.

Lunch

Following are the foods to eat after a root canal during lunch —

FoodsDescription
Mashed PotatoesCreamy and comforting, easily digestible.
Chicken SoupTender pieces of chicken in a warm broth.
AvocadoRich in healthy fats and creamy.
Mashed CauliflowerCreamy and soft, perfect for replacing potatoes.
Steamed AsparagusGentle and soft on the mouth.
HummusNutritious chickpea spread.
Soft PastaCooked until very tender, and easy to chew.
Baked BeansProtein-rich and soft.
Fish (e.g., Haddock, Cod, Halibut)Flaky, soft, and gentle on the mouth.
Rice PuddingEasily digestible, soft and creamy.
Egg SaladSoft and easy to chew, protein-rich.
Lentil SoupSmooth and hearty, easy on the mouth.

Dinner

When it comes to supper, you’ve got a lot of soft food options —

FoodsDescription
Baked SalmonFlaky and tender, full of omega-3s.
RisottoA rice dish with a creamy texture.
MeatloafEasy to chew, moist, and soft.
Steamed VegetablesSoftened spinach, broccoli, or carrots.
Soft Lentil StewA protein-rich, easy-to-eat food.
PolentaDelicious, creamy cornmeal dish.
Creamed SpinachCreamy, soft, and rich in nutrients.
Soft TofuSmooth, easy-to-eat silken tofu.
SpaghettiCooked until very tender with soft sauce.
Steamed ZucchiniSoft and easy to chew.
Soft Shell TacosMade with soft tortillas and tender fillings.
Ground ChickenSoft, easily incorporated into soups.
Mashed Sweet PotatoesCreamy and nutritious.
Softened BreadSoaked in broth or milk, easy to chew.
Soft CasserolesMade with soft ingredients like cooked pasta or rice.

Snacks and Desserts

We all crave some desserts and snacks. In that case, you must focus on the best food to eat after root canal treatment, such as —

FoodsDescription
PuddingCreamy and easy to eat.
Ice CreamSoft, soothing, and available in many flavors.
Macaroni and CheeseSoft pasta with creamy cheese sauce.
Butternut SquashCooked and mashed, sweet and nutritious.
JelloSoft, jiggly, and easy to consume.
MousseLight and airy, easy to swallow.
CheesecakeSmooth and creamy, easy on the mouth.
ApplesauceSweet and soft, easy to digest.
Soft CookiesSoftened in milk, easy to chew.
Tapioca PuddingSoft and smooth, a gentle dessert.
YogurtSmooth and available in many flavors.

All these foods to eat after a root canal are not only easy to chew but also nutritious.

Note: We believe it’d be helpful for you to know which soft food to eat after wisdom teeth removal.

How You Should Eat After Root Canal?

Every year, more than 15 million teeth undergo root canal treatment, says the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). So, to get a smooth recovery, you must take care of yourself after a root canal. What you eat and how you eat can significantly impact your healing process.

what can I eat after a root canal

When choosing your first food to eat after a root canal, remember these guidelines —

  • Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth.
  • Take small bites to minimize discomfort.
  • Eat slowly and mindfully to avoid any accidental trauma.
  • Avoid hot foods and drinks to prevent burns and irritation.
  • Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after eating to keep the area clean.
  • Follow your endodontist’s advice on when to resume your regular brushing and flossing routine.

Foods to Avoid After Root Canal

After a root canal, certain foods can slow down your recovery and cause discomfort. So, avoiding these foods helps protect your treated tooth and promotes healing.

Here are the main types of foods to steer clear of —

  • Sticky foods like gum, taffy, and candy, can pull your temporary crown out.
  • Hard items such as peanut brittle, candies, and ice cubes can chip your tooth.
  • Things that are too cold or too hot may irritate sensitive areas.
  • Acidic foods and beverages, including citrus fruits, coffee, tomato sauce, white wine, soda, and vinegar, can further irritate your mouth.

Note: Check out what foods you need to avoid if you have cracked teeth.

Do and Don’ts After Root Canal for Optimum Recovery

After undergoing a root canal, you might feel minor side effects like swelling, pain, and bleeding. Fortunately, these symptoms typically pass pretty quickly.

To make your recovery smoother, follow these important guidelines —

Do’s

If you follow the given practices after a root canal, it’ll help in your recovery.

  • You need to brush your teeth per day twice using a toothbrush that’s soft-bristled. And try to be gentle around the treated tooth to avoid irritation.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Manage inflammation and pain by following your dentist’s prescription
  • Stick to a soft diet, such as porridge, mashed potatoes, rice, scrambled eggs, fish, dairy products, and vegetable soups.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to prevent infection and minimize discomfort.
  • Keep regular dental appointments and call your dentist if you experience severe symptoms.
  • Lastly, ensure you rest adequately, keeping your head up when you’re lying down.

Don’ts

Avoid following actions to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

  • Wait until the anesthetic wears off before consuming hot items.
  • Refrain from biting or chewing the treated tooth to prevent strain on the treated area.
  • Stay away from chewy, hard, and spicy foods as these can irritate the treated tooth.
  • Limit sugary foods to prevent infections around the treated tooth.
  • Say no to alcohol and tobacco as these substances slow down your healing.
  • Avoid spitting, sucking, or using a straw as these actions disrupt the healing process.
  • Quickly get a crown otherwise your treated tooth remains vulnerable to further issues.

Final Words

After undergoing a root canal, you pick the right foods for a smooth recovery. We recommend selecting from our list of 50 soft foods to eat after root canal. These foods provide necessary nutrients without causing you any discomfort.

Plus, options like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and baked salmon are gentle on your mouth and easy to consume. By following our advice and making informed food choices, you can speed up your healing process and minimize complications.

Most importantly, remember to follow your dentist’s recommendations for additional guidance.

FAQs

How long after a root canal can you eat solid food?

You can eat solid food 30 to 45 minutes after a root canal, allowing time for your temporary filling to harden. However, it’s best to wait until the anesthetic wears off to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.

Do I brush my teeth after a root canal?

You should brush your teeth regularly after a root canal. In fact, gentle brushing improves your healing and removes aches by minimizing inflammation. Plus, when you brush your gums properly, blood circulation increases.

Can I eat ice cream after a root canal?

Yes, you can eat ice cream after a root canal. However, limit your intake due to its high sugar content, which can increase the risk of infections around the treated area.

What is the recovery time for a root canal?

Generally, it takes one to two weeks to fully recover from a root canal. During this period, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and avoid activities that could strain the treated tooth.

What’s the best thing to eat after a root canal?

The best thing to eat after a root canal includes soft foods like fruit smoothies, yogurt, and soft cereal. Besides satisfying hunger, these options also soothe the area around the tooth.

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