The short answer to what you can eat after a root canal is this: do not eat until the effect of the local anaesthetic has worn off, then start with soft and lukewarm foods, and prefer to chew on the side opposite the treated tooth. If the tooth has a temporary filling, you need to stay away from hard, sticky and very hot or very cold foods until the permanent crown or filling is made. Your dentist’s personal instruction always takes precedence over these general recommendations.
The eating and drinking rule until the numbness wears off
While the anaesthetic is still working, the lip, tongue and cheek are numb too, so eating may lead you to bite your cheek or tongue. The numbness usually passes within a few hours; during this time you can drink water, but you should avoid hot drinks and food. You can find more information about this temporary state caused by numbness in our article on numbness in the mouth after anaesthesia.
Foods to choose in the first days
On the first day and the few days that follow, soft, lukewarm and mildly spiced foods do not tire the tooth. Soup, purée, yoghurt, boiled vegetables, eggs and rice are good options. Chewing on the side where the tooth is not being treated helps the treated tooth rest.
During this period you need to stay away from the following:
- Hard foods such as raw carrots, nuts, foods with shells and ice
- Sweets that stick to the teeth, such as chewing gum, caramel and Turkish delight
- Very hot soup and tea and very cold ice cream
When do you return to normal meals?
Most people return to normal meals within a few days, but this time varies with the condition of the tooth and when the permanent restoration is made. After the root canal filling is done, the tooth may remain weak until a permanent filling or crown is made on top of it; for this reason it is recommended that you do not chew hard food with that tooth. After the permanent restoration is fitted, the restriction on eating is largely lifted. To see how a root canal treatment proceeds, you can look at the stages of root canal treatment.
When can you have tea, coffee and acidic drinks?
Once the anaesthetic has worn off you can drink lukewarm tea and coffee; however, avoid very hot drinks on the first day. Acidic drinks and very sugary fizzy drinks can wear down the area around the temporary filling, so they should be kept limited in the first days. If your dentist gave a specific restriction, follow it.
What to watch for with a temporary filling
A temporary filling is a protective filling that keeps the canal closed until the permanent restoration is made, and it can be damaged by hard foods. How long the filling lasts depends on the material used and the chewing load; for this reason you should not delay the next appointment. If the filling falls out or breaks, let the dentist know, since the inside of the canal can come into contact with bacteria. You can also look at our article on what to watch for after a tooth filling for filling care.
How does smoking affect healing after a root canal?
Smoking slows the healing of the tissue around the tooth, so staying away from it as much as possible in the first days after treatment is beneficial for healing. How long a break is needed varies from person to person; you can ask your dentist.
How long does the ache last, and in which cases do you see a dentist?
After treatment, a mild ache in the tooth and sensitivity when chewing can last a few days and mostly decrease day by day. See the dentist without waiting in the following cases:
- If the ache does not decrease as the days pass, or increases
- If swelling has developed in the face, cheek or gum
- If there is a fever or a constant bad smell in the mouth
- If the temporary filling has fallen out or the tooth has broken
What should you do if there is a bitter taste in the mouth?
A temporary bitter taste in the mouth can remain from the medicines or the solutions used to rinse the canal, and it usually passes in a short time. If the taste continues or is combined with a bad smell, you need to talk to the dentist.
Swimming in the sea or pool, and brushing teeth
After a root canal treatment, you continue brushing your teeth; gently clean the treated area with a soft brush. The general recommendation for the sea and the pool is to wait a few days while there is a temporary filling and as long as the treated area is sensitive, and to ask your dentist. For your questions, you can request an appointment through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
When can I eat after a root canal?
Once the effect of the anaesthetic has worn off, that is, within a few hours, you can start with soft and lukewarm foods.
Can I smoke after a root canal?
Because it slows healing, it is recommended that you stay away from it as much as possible in the first days.
How long does the ache last after a root canal?
A mild ache may last a few days; if it does not decrease or if it increases, see the dentist.
How long does a temporary filling last?
It is used as protection until the permanent restoration; its duration varies from person to person, so do not miss the appointment.
