Tooth extraction can be daunting, but it is, in fact, a routine procedure performed in most dental offices. Most patients do not experience pain during the procedure or any significant discomfort or side effects after it. However, to have a smooth and fast recovery after your tooth is pulled, you must take proper care of the procedure site. Adhering to a special diet is a part of such care. In this article, we discuss what to eat after tooth extraction.
What to Eat After Tooth Extraction
The First 24 Hours After Tooth Extraction
The primary goal in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction is to ensure that a blood clot forms and remains in the socket where the tooth was removed. A blood clot is necessary for swift healing. Its being disturbed or dislodged leads to a condition called “dry socket,” which is very painful and significantly prolongs recovery. Another important point is to avoid irritating the tender extraction site.
Thus, it is recommended to adhere to a liquid diet in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. Examples of such a diet include:
- Broths
- Pureed Soups
- Smoothies
- Yogurts and kefir
- Milkshakes
4-6 Days After the Tooth Extraction
After the first post-surgery 24 hours, you can gradually switch to a soft diet—foods that do not require a lot of chewing or biting. This way, you will minimize the strain on the jawbone and avoid damaging the surgical site. However, we recommend ensuring that your meals during recovery are rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein that will help your body regenerate. Here are some examples of foods included in a soft diet:
- Mashed potatoes and other pureed or soft-boiled vegetables
- Fruit and vegetable smoothies
- Soft cutlets
- Soft bread without seeds
- Soft-boiled pasta
- Pate
- Omelets or boiled eggs
- Cottage cheese and yogurts
- Cheese
Adhere to a soft diet for 4 to 6 days or until the pain and swelling caused by the surgery completely subside. Then, slowly start introducing foods you usually eat to your diet. However, we still recommend being cautious about what you eat and avoiding straining your jaw or damaging the surgical site for about two weeks after the extraction.
Foods to Avoid Until You’ve Fully Healed
Here are foods and beverages we recommend avoiding after your tooth extraction:
- Very hot or cold foods and drinks
- Spicy foods can irritate the surgical site and increase blood flow to the area, causing bleeding.
- Alcoholic beverages significantly slow down regeneration.
- Crunchy foods, such as cookies, chips, nuts, or crackers, can irritate the surgical site and also become lodged in the socket of the extracted tooth.
- Foods that require a lot of biting or chewing force, such as apples, meat, etc., will put unnecessary strain on the recovering jawbone.
- Do not use a straw for drinking, as it can create suction in the mouth and dislodge the blood clot.
Other Tips for Smooth Tooth Extraction Recovery
Apart from adhering to a special diet during your tooth extraction recovery, we recommend following these important rules as well:
- Abstain from smoking, as nicotine slows down regeneration.
- Keep your mouth impeccably clean to avoid infections. Brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss every evening. However, be careful when brushing and flossing around the surgery site.
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution after meals, but avoid swishing water in your mouth, especially on the side of the extraction.
- If you experience swelling, keep your head elevated when lying down (you can use an extra pillow) and apply cold compresses several times a day for 15 minutes at a time.
- Use over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen, to manage pain, but be careful not to exceed the recommended dose and duration.
- If pain or swelling intensifies over time or does not subside within several days, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take the entire course as directed. Antibiotics can be prescribed to prevent infections.
- Minor bleeding for the first couple of hours after the extraction is normal. However, if it lasts longer than that, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Sign up for a Safe Tooth Extraction at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills
Choosing a reliable and experienced dentist to perform your tooth extraction is crucial for ensuring a safe and complication-free procedure. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of the highly qualified specialists at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills today. We are looking forward to your visit.
