Tooth extraction can feel overwhelming, especially when figuring out what to eat afterward. Your diet plays a substantial role in recovery — the right foods can ease pain, speed healing, and prevent infection.
If you’re wondering what to eat after tooth extraction, this guide is for you. From soft and cold treats to protein- and vitamin-rich options, we’ve rounded up delicious choices for a smooth recovery. Just remember to consult your dentist before making any dietary changes.
Why You Should Maintain a Proper Diet After Tooth Extraction
After tooth removal, the last thing you want is a sore mouth and a longer recovery time. Hence, following a proper diet is essential for a speedy recovery.
Choosing soft, cold, protein-rich, and vitamin-rich foods gives your body the nutrients it needs to recover faster. These foods are easy to chew and gentle on your mouth, making them the perfect options for your post-tooth removal diet. Conversely, some foods can cause irritation and pain or even slow healing, so avoiding them is essential.
Staying hydrated and eating small, frequent meals throughout the day is also key to a smooth and speedy recovery. Stocking up on the right foods to eat after tooth extraction and avoiding the wrong ones can make your tooth removal heal faster.
Read on to understand what to eat after tooth extraction.
Foods To Eat After Tooth Extraction
Here are some food options to eat after a tooth extraction and how soon you can begin eating them after an extraction:
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Soft Foods
Soft foods are the best option for the first few days after tooth extraction. These foods are gentle on the mouth, easy to chew and lessen the risk of irritation or discomfort around the extraction site.
One of the most recommended food to eat after tooth extraction is soup. Other options include mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and scrambled eggs. You can also try blending fruits or vegetables into a smoothie for a nutrient-rich, easy-to-consume meal.
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Cold Foods
Cold foods are often the most recommended foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. They can help reduce swelling and numb the area around the extraction site, relieving discomfort. A few excellent options include smoothies, ice cream, and yogurt. You can also try freezing fruits or vegetables and eating them as a snack.
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Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is essential for healing and rebuilding tissue after tooth removal. Incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet can help speed up the recovery process. Some options include protein sources, including eggs, cheese, chicken, fish, and beans. Greek yoghurt is also a great option as it is high in protein and can be blended with fruit for added nutrients.
Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
Dental professionals believe that it is crucial to be mindful of your foods after a tooth extraction to avoid complications and ensure proper healing. Some foods can be harmful to the healing process. These include:
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Hard Foods
Avoid hard and crunchy foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, and hard candy. These foods can damage the extraction site and delay the healing process. Sticky and chewy foods such as caramel, taffy, and chewing gum should also be avoided as they can easily get stuck in the extraction site and cause irritation or infection.
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Spicy Foods
Moreover, spicy foods like hot sauce or curry should be avoided as they irritate the extraction site and cause discomfort. Similarly, acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings can also irritate the site and delay healing.
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Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated beverages should also be avoided as they can cause discomfort and may dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, which is essential for proper healing.
Avoiding these foods can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery after your tooth extraction. Remember to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and make sure to maintain a balanced diet that includes soft, cold, protein-rich, and vitamin-rich foods to promote healing.
Tips for Eating after Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, eating can be challenging, but following a proper diet to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications is essential. Here are some tips to make eating after tooth extraction easier:
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Start with Cold and Soft Foods
Begin with cold and soft foods like smoothies, yoghurt, pudding, and ice cream. These foods are easy to eat and won’t irritate the extraction site.
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Chew on the Opposite Side of the Extraction Site
When you start to eat solid foods, chew on the opposite side of the extraction site to avoid damaging the area.
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Avoid Using Straws
Using a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, which is crucial for proper healing. Instead, drink from a cup and avoid creating any suction in your mouth.
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Cut Your Food into Small Pieces
Cutting your food into small pieces can make it easier to chew and swallow without putting too much pressure on the extraction site.
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Rinse Your Mouth After Eating
Gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
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Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for proper healing after a tooth removal. Avoid drinking sugary or carbonated beverages as they irritate the extraction site.
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Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Your dentist will give you specific instructions on what to eat and what to avoid after your tooth extraction. Follow their advice and contact your dentist if you have any concerns or questions.
Takeaway
Diet can play a decisive role in recovery after a tooth extraction. Understanding and planning what to eat after a tooth extraction is essential — stick to soft foods that won’t cling to your teeth or the healing site. Avoid hard, sticky foods and carbonated beverages to prevent complications and support a smooth recovery.
Get Your Teeth Pulled Out by the Experts at Hopkins Family Dental
Planning to get your teeth pulled soon? You can trust Hopkins Dentist to help you throughout the process. Our gentle dentists offer tailored treatment plans and guide you through every step of the process to ensure comfort and faster recovery.
Schedule your appointment today at (952)-935-2121 or visit us at 1919 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343.
