Now that you’ve extracted your tooth, you may wonder how to take care of it properly. And more importantly, what your food habits should be going into this recovery period.
How long after tooth extraction can I eat? Can I chew normally once I have had my wisdom tooth removed? Should I avoid certain foods so as not to hinder the healing process?
Even though tooth extraction surgery is a fairly simple procedure, there are specific food restrictions you need to beware of. In this article, we’ll talk about what your diet should look like after tooth extraction.
When can I eat after tooth extraction?
How you take care of your eating habits can either accelerate or delay the healing process. The most important thing to remember during aftercare is maintaining the blood clot that forms over the socket.
The first 24 hours
The primary aspect of aftercare during the first few days after tooth extraction is to allow the blood clot to form. Experts claim that low-level bleeding for up to 24 hours following an extraction is normal.
Here are some food tips to help you take care of your extraction wound during the first 24 hours following tooth extraction:
- Avoid eating solid foods immediately after the procedure.
- Eat only soft or liquid food such as soup, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.
- Do not use a straw as it can dislodge the clot.
- Consume cool or lukewarm soft foods only.
Days 2-7
In the days after an extraction, you should focus on maintaining the blood clot and preventing infection from developing.
Here are some food tips to help you take care of your extraction wound on days 2 through 7:
- You can gradually begin to eat a more solid diet.
- Continue to eat soft foods like well-cooked pasta, soft fruits, and steamed vegetables.
- Avoid spicy or hot foods that can irritate the healing.
Days 7 and Beyond
After a week of tooth extraction, you’ll notice that the healing has progressed and the extraction site has filled almost completely.
Here are some food tips to help you take care of your extraction wound beyond 7 days:
- You should be able to eat solid food as normal at this point.
- Resume eating normally by gradually adding more solid foods back into your daily diet.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods to prevent any disruptions in healing.
Tips on food choices after getting your tooth extracted
After an extraction, it is important to modify your diet to ensure a speedy recovery. Stick to east-to-chew foods during the healing period to help minimize discomfort, avoid complications, and promote healing of the extraction site.
Food plays a crucial role in determining proper cell regrowth throughout the recovery period and shortening your recovery time.
Here are some tips on what foods to eat after a tooth extraction:
- Soups and broths: Soups without chunks and broths are great choices following an extraction as they are easy to swallow. Choose mild flavors that aren’t too spicy or acidic.
- Mashed potatoes: As it is soft, it will not exert pressure on your healing areas.
- Smoothies: Veggie or fruit smoothies provide essential nutrients that help promote healing and provide hydration.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt may be a great choice during the recovery stage as it is rich in protein and probiotics. It helps ensure overall oral health.
- Applesauce: Applesauce that is not sweetened can be a good choice as well.
- Jello: Easy-to-consume desserts such as jello, pudding, or ice cream do not irritate the extraction sites, making them great choices for a sweet treat.
- Scrambled eggs: Well-cooked scrambled eggs are easy to chew and a good source of protein.
- Cooked pasta and oatmeal: Soft and well-cooked pasta and oatmeal are also recommended.
- Avocado: Ripe avocados offer a soft texture and are rich in nutrients.
Foods to avoid after tooth extraction
Following an invasive procedure such as tooth extraction, it is essential to avoid certain foods.
- Avoid eating crunchy foods like apples or cereal as they can irritate the extraction site and have a detrimental effect on healing after tooth extraction.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours after surgery as it can delay healing.
- Avoid consuming spicy foods following an extraction.
- Avoid hot foods such as very hot soup as the heat can loosen the clot and increase bleeding.
- Avoid hard foods that require extensive chewing as it can also impede healing.
- Avoid using straws or rinse your mouth rigorously as the suction action can dislodge the clot.
- Avoid smoking during the initial stage of recovery.
- Start eating harder foods only after the wound has completely healed.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist if the extraction site hasn’t healed even weeks after surgery.
