How Long until You Eat Normally Post-Root Canal Treatment
Proper care for teeth and gums is important for maintaining a bright smile and our overall health and well-being. Poor oral health is connected to several serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
That’s why taking care of our teeth and gums is as important as seeing a dentist regularly. Brushing and flossing our teeth twice a day, and using mouthwash, is a good start. But we also need to eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks. If not, bacteria could remain and bore holes into our enamel, resulting in a need for root canal treatment.
When dentists remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, root canals are a procedure. Pulp is the tissue containing the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves. Once removed, the dentist will clean and seal the tooth to prevent further internal damage.
After root canal surgery, you will likely wonder how long you must wait to eat. All will soon become clear as we go through that topic in today’s article.
So, Just How Long?
While there is no specific duration on when you can resume your normal eating and drinking habits, the rule of thumb is to wait until the numbness from the dental work has fully worn off before eating. If not, you may bite your cheek or tongue without realizing it, which can be painful and lead to further infections.
What Can You Do Until Then?
Fortunately, you can still eat. Just remember to follow these post-root canal treatment care tips:
- Eat on the other side of the treated area: If you just had a root canal, it’s important to eat on the opposite side of your mouth from where the procedure was done. As mentioned earlier, the treated side of your mouth is still numb, and you could accidentally bite yourself.
- Chew carefully: This may seem like an obvious thing to do, but it’s very important. When you have root canal surgery, your teeth and jaw are very sensitive and can be easily damaged. Chewing your food slowly and carefully will help protect your teeth and jaw and help you avoid pain.
- Stay away from extremely cold or hot foodstuffs: When eating after a root canal procedure, it is best to avoid hot foods and/or beverages. Food and drinks that are very hot can cause burns, so it is recommended to wait at least until the next day. The heat could make the pain in your tooth/teeth worse.
You should avoid very cold foods and drinks following a root canal procedure because they can compound tooth/teeth sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off.
- Go soft: When ready to eat again after root canal surgery, stick to soft foods. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, as they could damage your teeth. Soft foods do not require as much chewing as harder foods, making them much easier to eat and swallow. Mashed potatoes and canned soup will do. Remember not to heat them too high or eat them straight from the fridge.
Schedule a Root Canal Treatment Now
Book your appointment today at Weymouth Dental Arts for a much-needed root canal treatment. We provide patients of all ages with customized care for general, cosmetic, and modern dentistry. Visit our website today and learn more!