If you just had a root canal, you’re probably wondering what to eat after root canal. The good news is, with the right food choices and proper care, you can heal faster and feel better sooner.
This guide will answer common questions, how long after root canal can I eat, and which foods to eat after root canal. We’ll also share a full list of soft foods to eat and foods avoid.
Let’s get started with what you can expect right after your procedure.
Can You Eat After a Root Canal?
Yes, but with care. After a root canal, you should wait until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off before eating. Eating while your mouth is still numb can cause you to bite your cheek, tongue, or lips without realizing it.
Once the numbness fades, you can eat — but only soft, gentle foods that won’t hurt your tooth or irritate the treated area.
100 Soft Foods to Eat After a Root Canal
To help your mouth heal, choose foods that are soft, easy to chew, and not too hot or cold. Here’s a list of 100 foods you can safely eat, divided by category:
Dairy 🥛
- Yogurt (plain or flavored)
- Cottage cheese
- Soft cheeses (mozzarella, brie)
- Cream cheese
- Milk
- Pudding
- Ice cream (no nuts or chunks)
- Milkshakes
- Kefir
- Cheese spreads
Fruits 🍌
- Applesauce
- Mashed bananas
- Ripe peaches (peeled)
- Pear purée
- Avocado
- Canned fruit (no syrup or chunks)
- Fruit smoothies
- Watermelon (seedless)
- Baked apples
- Mango purée
Vegetables 🥬
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked carrots
- Pumpkin purée
- Soft zucchini
- Avocado mash
- Steamed spinach
- Butternut squash
- Soft-cooked broccoli
- Peas (mashed)
- Vegetable soup
Grains & breads 🥞
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Soft pancakes
- French toast (soft)
- White rice
- Pasta (well-cooked)
- Macaroni and cheese
- Soft tortillas
- Polenta
- Couscous
Protein 🥚
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Tuna salad
- Egg salad
- Hummus
- Soft tofu
- Ground turkey (well-cooked)
- Shredded chicken (tender)
- Smooth peanut butter
- Refried beans
Soups 🍲
- Chicken broth
- Tomato soup
- Cream of mushroom
- Lentil soup (blended)
- Squash soup
- Potato soup
- Chicken and rice soup (soft)
- Beef broth
- Vegetable purée soup
- Miso soup
Snacks & treats 🧁
- Jell-O
- Custard
- Applesauce cups
- Pudding cups
- Soft muffins
- Soft-baked cookies
- Gelatin desserts
- Marshmallows
- Graham crackers (softened with milk)
- Protein shakes
Breakfast 🧋
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Cream of rice
- Pancakes (no syrup or soft syrup)
- Banana bread
- Rice pudding
- Smoothies with oats
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Boiled plantains
- Grits
- Soft cereal with milk
Mexican inspired soft foods 🫘
- Tamales (soft, no spicy sauce)
- Soft enchiladas (no crunchy edges)
- Refried beans with cheese
- Soft rice and beans
- Chilaquiles (softened)
- Soft quesadillas (with melted cheese)
- Calabacitas (cooked zucchini mix)
- Elote (cut off cob and soft)
- Soft sopita (noodles in tomato broth)
- Aguacate con sal
Drinks 🥤
- Herbal tea (warm, not hot)
- Fruit smoothies
- Protein shakes
- Water
- Milk
- Coconut water
- Horchata (not too sweet)
- Atole (warm, not hot)
- Licuado
- Natural juices (no pulp)
50 Foods to Avoid After a Root Canal
After a root canal, eating the wrong foods can slow healing or irritate your treated tooth. Avoiding certain items helps protect your mouth and ensures a smoother recovery. Here is a lisf of foods to stay away from.
Hard or crunchy 🥜
- Nuts
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Crackers
- Granola
- Hard tacos
- Raw carrots
- Apples (unpeeled/raw)
- Croutons
- Pretzels
Sticky or chewy 🍭
- Caramel
- Gum
- Taffy
- Gummy candy
- Dried fruits
- Bagels
- Jerky
- Licorice
- Sticky rice
- Cheese sticks
Too hot or cold ☕️
- Hot coffee
- Iced drinks
- Hot soup (steaming)
- Ice cubes
- Ice cream cones
- Popsicles
- Hot chocolate
- Boiling tea
- Steaming ramen
- Frozen yogurt
Spicy or acidic 🌶
- Hot salsa
- Spicy tacos
- Chili peppers
- Citrus fruits
- Tomato sauce
- Vinegar-based dressings
- BBQ sauce
- Hot sauces
- Jalapeños
- Lemonade
Others to avoid 🍺
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Smoking
- Corn on the cob
- Toast
- Tough meat
- Pizza crust
- Fried foods
- Crunchy cereal
- Seeds
How Long After a Root Canal Can I Eat?
After a root canal, it’s important to wait before eating to avoid damaging the treated area. Knowing when and what to eat can speed up healing and prevent discomfort.
Here’s what you need to know about eating after your procedure.
- First 24 Hours: Stick to a mostly liquid diet. Go for protein drinks, smoothies, yogurt, and broths.
- 24 to 72 Hours: Slowly add soft, warm foods like scrambled eggs, or creamy soups. Avoid anything too hot or cold.
- After 72 Hours: If you’re healing well, you can begin to eat soft solids like pasta, soft fruits (like bananas), and cooked vegetables. Keep chewing on the opposite side of the treated tooth.
Basic Aftercare
Good care helps your recovery go smoothly. Here are basic root canal after care tips:
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until fully healed.
- Brush and floss gently around the area.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Use warm saltwater rinses to reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking or alcohol, which slow down healing.
- Watch for signs of infection, like swelling, pain, or fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat after a root canal without a crown?
Yes, but be extra careful. If your tooth doesn’t have a crown yet, it’s more fragile. Stick to soft foods until your dentist places the crown.
Can you drink after a root canal?
Yes, you can drink water and other non-alcoholic beverages once the numbness wears off. Avoid very hot or very cold drinks for the first few days.
Is it okay to eat ice cream after a root canal?
Yes — but only if it’s not too cold and doesn’t have nuts or hard chunks. Let it soften a bit before eating.
What happens if I eat solid food too soon after a root canal?
Eating solid food too soon after a root canal can irritate or damage the treated area. It may also increase the risk of cracking the tooth or loosening a temporary filling.
Care for Your Tooth, One Bite at a Time
At Somos Dental, we believe everyone deserves quality dental care. That’s why we offer some of the most affordable treatments available—no insurance needed. We also provide flexible payment plans to fit your budget.
We have multiple convenient clinic locations across Phoenix and Dallas.
Phoenix:
You can schedule a free consultation by giving us a call 623-869-1091, or filling out our online form. We’re also available through WhatsApp, Messenger, or SMS—whatever works best for you.
Taking care of your root canal is easier than you think—eat smart, follow your aftercare, and keep your smile strong.
Eat well, heal fast.
Book your free consultation!
