Can I Eat Before My Dentist Appointment?

Most of us brush our teeth before visiting the dentist, but what else should (or shouldn’t) we do before an appointment? What about eating? Should you or shouldn’t you?

This is a common question we know patients have, but they don’t always think to ask. The answer? It depends. In most cases, yes, you can have a light meal or snack before visiting the dentist. However, there are some instances where it’s best to avoid eating prior to your appointment.

When It’s Okay to Eat

For a routine dental checkup and cleaning, it’s generally fine to eat before your visit. These appointments don’t typically involve any procedures that would be impacted by you having food in your stomach.

In fact, there may be benefits to a small meal or snack prior to your visit. If your appointment is around mealtime, having a light snack beforehand can help prevent you from feeling hungry or lightheaded while in the dental chair. Going into a dental appointment on an empty stomach can make you feel faint or uncomfortable, particularly if you’re undergoing a long procedure. And, if you are receiving local anesthetic, the numbing effect might make you averse to eating for a time after your appointment.

However, it’s important to make sure that whatever you eat won’t negatively affect your dental visit. Stick to foods that are easy to brush away and won’t leave particles stuck in your teeth. Avoid anything too sugary, sticky, or crunchy right before your visit.

Here are some general guidelines on what to eat:

• Soft Foods: Foods that are easy to chew and gentle on the teeth, such as oatmeal, yogurt, or a smoothie, are good options. They’re less likely to get stuck between your teeth or leave debris.
• Avoid Garlic and Onions: It’s best to steer clear of foods that can leave a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or spicy foods. Your dentist (and dental hygienist) will appreciate it!
• Rinse or Brush After Eating: If you do eat before your appointment, it’s important to brush and floss afterward to ensure your mouth is clean. If you’re unable to brush your teeth, at least rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash to remove food particles and freshen your breath.

When to Fast Before an Appointment

There are some dental procedures and circumstances where you may want to avoid eating for a period of time before your appointment:

• Sedation dentistry: If you’re having a procedure done under IV sedation or general anesthesia, talk to your dentist about whether fasting may be required. For those undergoing oral surgery, general anesthesia may carry a risk of aspiration.
• Local Anesthesia: Even if you’re only receiving local anesthesia, some patients find that eating immediately before the procedure makes them feel uncomfortable or even nauseated once the numbing medication starts to take effect.
• Deep Cleaning: For deep cleanings, particularly scaling and root planing to treat gum disease, you might want to be cautious about eating beforehand. While you’re not strictly required to fast, it’s smart to avoid heavy meals or anything that could irritate your gums, as they will likely be sensitive after the procedure.

Still Not Sure? Just Ask!

So, can you eat before your dentist appointment? Most of the time, the answer is yes. Just be mindful of what you eat, brush afterward, and follow any specific instructions from your dentist for more complex procedures.

When in doubt about whether you should eat, never hesitate to call our office and ask. Every procedure is different, and we can advise you based on your situation and health history.