So you're fresh out of a root canal treatment, and you're just about to grab a quick snack when you suddenly realize you have no idea how this snack will impact your recovery process. Deciding what to eat after a dentist's appointment is one of the things that most patients struggle with, and quite rightly so. Your choice of foods and snacks will not only impact how quickly you recover but also the level of tooth sensitivity and how much you'll enjoy them. Luckily, Tyler McCabe and our team have provided a guide on foods to avoid and what to consume after a root canal, as recommended by a root canal orthodontist.
Foods to Avoid After Root Canals
Before we dive into foods that should be on your menu, you need to identify foods and snacks to avoid for a quick recovery.
Chewy Foods
If you have a sweet tooth and are a fan of chewy candies, it's best to limit your intake. Taffy, gum, and chewy candies can easily get under your newly installed crown and dislodge the filling, undoing the main part of the root canal treatment. Additionally, the pressure applied when chewing such foods can cause considerable discomfort.
Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods and snacks may be a good source of nutrients and ASMR, but this is not the right time for them. Nuts, chips, crackers, and vegetables such as carrots, apples, and corn require a substantial bite force, and your teeth may not yet be ready after a root canal.
Too Hot Or Cold Food
After a root canal treatment, heightened sensitivity is often an important concern. At this point, your teeth are more sensitive to temperature, so foods in either extreme may lead to hypersensitivity, which may induce swelling.
Spicy foods
Just like with too-hot or too-cold foods, your tooth nerves and roots are more sensitive to spicy foods than ever. Therefore, it is best to avoid spicy foods, as they may interfere with the healing process.
Meat
Meat may be a staple in many households, but while in the recovery phase of your root canal, it is best to stay away from it. Just like taffy and gum, meats such as beef and chicken may be chewy, which may interfere with the temporary enamel.
Foods You Should Take After a Root Canal in Ocean Springs
It is generally recommended that you opt for soft foods or those that won't irritate your teeth sensitivity and, consequently, your recovery process. Here is a list of foods you can try during this time, as advised by a root canal orthodontist in the area:
- Yogurt, healthy smoothies, milk, and milkshakes
- Mashed potatoes, soup, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, soft salads, and minced meat
- Pasta, noodles, couscous, quinoa, and hummus
- Cooked vegetables, soft bread, matzah, and saltines
- Bananas, mangoes, papaya, and peaches
Notice that the ongoing thing with these foods is that they are soft and easy to chew. You can amend the list to include other foods, as long as they follow the same principle. Don't forget to include the spices.
Still Worried About Your Root Canal Aftercare?
Root canal treatment may have its challenges, especially if you have never undergone the procedure before. Here at McCabe Dental, we have specialized root canal, orthodontic, and dental care providers who can help you with all your dental needs. Visit us today for consultations or to address any questions you may have about root canal Ocean Springs.
Whether you're in need of aftercare advice or a new root canal Ocean Springs appointment, our team is here to support your recovery and overall oral health.