What To Avoid Eating After Getting A Root Canal
The above-listed foods are great to eat after you get a root canal. However, there are some foods that you must stay away from as they can wreck your filing or also cause choking if you are not careful. This includes foods that are difficult to chew. You should stay away from certain hard foods, such as nuts, candy, and seeds. Moreover, sticky foods are another no-no. Gum, caramel, and toffee must be avoided during the recovery period after getting a root canal.
Your dentist will also tell you to stay away from foods that have extreme temperatures, such as too hot or too cold foods and drinks. If you experience some tooth sensitivity during this time, don’t be alarmed. This usually happens when a temporary or permanent crown is placed on the tooth where the root canal was performed. However, this does not mean you have to avoid eating your favorite cookies straight out of the oven. You just need to wait a while till they cool, and they’re all yours!
After the permanent crown has been placed, it is recommended to avoid chewing gum. This is because the adhesive used can easily be dislodged, causing the entire filing to come out, especially if the gum sticks to the once-infected tooth.
How To Take Care Of Your Teeth After The Root Canal
Just because you have gotten a root canal does not mean that you do not have to take care of your other teeth. In fact, you need to be more careful. It is normal to experience some soreness in your teeth, gums, and mouth after getting the root canal procedure. In this case, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Your medical practitioner will probably also tell you to do the following to ensure good dental hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day to ensure that no plaque builds up and no cavity starts to form.
- Floss your teeth, except on either side of the temporary crown. Otherwise, you run the risk of dislodging the adhesive or the entire crown itself.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle with it thrice a day. This will help lower inflammation. Simply swish the water in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Be careful not to swallow the saltwater.
- You may also have to take some antibiotics to avoid getting a tooth infection. In case your dentist recommends this, make sure to complete the entire course of medication. Antibiotics ensure that the infection will not return, keeping you safe from pain, fever, and inflammation of any sort.
Bottom Line
A root canal procedure is not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, it is extremely common. The recovery period is fast and complication-free as long as you stay away from foods that are too hot or too cold or anything that would irritate the temporary or permanent crowns.
You can expect some sensitivity, but it usually goes away within a few days. Even though you may think that figuring out what you want to eat after a root canal is overwhelming, there are loads of options available. Remember to keep your dental health first!
