After a tooth extraction, it is normal to feel some pain, swelling and discomfort. During this time, your dentist will recommend eating the right foods to help you heal faster and avoid irritation.
In this blog, we will talk about what foods you can eat after tooth extraction.
Why Should You Eat Soft Foods After Tooth Extraction?
The first rule of thumb after a tooth extraction is eating soft foods.
After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket serving as a natural bandage. Not only that, your gums and area around the wound are extremely sensitive.
Eating hard, crunchy, or chewy foods can hurt the healing site and may even dislodge the blood clot leading to a condition called dry socket.
Hence, eating soft foods is really important. They are easy to chew, put less pressure on the treated site and help the clot stay in place.
What Foods to Eat During First 48 Hours After Tooth Extraction
The first 48 hours after a tooth extraction are extremely crucial in terms of choosing what foods to eat. Here are some options:
- Yogurt
- Scrambled egg
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Custard and Pudding
- Jell-O
- Ice-cream
- Cottage cheese
- Broth and soup (room temperature)
- Milkshakes
- Oatmeal
- Avocado
These food options are not only easy to eat but are packed with nutrients your body needs to heal after an extraction. If you are still unsure about anything, it is best to talk to your dentist for personalized advice.
What Foods to Eat In 3-5 Days After Tooth Extraction
Once the initial phase of healing has passed, you can slowly introduce other softer yet slightly firmer foods that require minimal chewing, such as:
- Breads soaked in soup or milk
- Steamed or boiled veggies like carrots or zucchini
- Fish and tender cooked or minced meat
- Pasta and noodles
- Rice with a side of gravy
- Fruits like peaches, and bananas
- Egg salad or tuna salad
- Soft beans and lentils
- Soft cheese
These food items are great as they don’t put as much pressure on your gums and overall healing site. They will help you transition back to your normal eating regimen.
However, if you still have pain and discomfort, it is best to stop right away.
Foods You Should Avoid After Tooth Extraction
- Do not eat or drink anything hot as it can increase the risk of bleeding
- Do not eat crunchy, hard or chewy foods like nuts, chips and popcorn. These can hurt your gums and get stuck in the extraction site.
- Smoking and alcohol can cause irritation and delay healing.
- Using straws can dislodge the blood clot. Do not use them until advised by your dentist.
Overall Insight
Healing after a tooth extraction can take time, but eating the right foods can make the process much faster. It is recommended to eat soft, nourishing meals that do not put extra pressure on your gums.
On the contrary, it is advised to avoid hot, crunchy, chewy, or hard food items as well as smoking, using straws and consuming alcohol. They can dislodge the clot and delay healing.
If you have more questions about what to eat after a tooth extraction, talk to Dr. Arth Patel at The Dental Home of Moore for personalized advice. Call us at (405) 977-4238 to schedule a consultation!