There are several reasons to exercise caution when eating after having a tooth extraction. Arming yourself with knowledge of what to eat after tooth extraction means you can prepare before your procedure to ensure there are appropriate foods at home.
At Boon Dental, we are experts when it comes to extractions and providing our patients with the best possible aftercare advice. In this article, we share ideas on what to eat after tooth extraction and what foods to avoid.
Can I eat after having a tooth removed?
After tooth extraction, a blood clot usually forms in the socket as a form of protection for the wound. Once the extraction site is healed, the clot dislodges or dissolves on its own.
For the first 24 to 48 hours after having a tooth extraction, it’s essential to eat only soft or liquid foods that don’t require chewing. This allows the extraction site the best chance of a successful recovery, while still nourishing your body.
What to eat after tooth extraction
Soft foods hold the key when deciding what to eat after tooth extraction procedures. They’re easy to break up into easy to swallow sizes without chewing and can contain all the essential nutrients you need.
Let’s look at some of the best soft foods to eat after having a tooth removed:
1. Fresh smoothies
Smoothies are a delicious and nutritious way to keep you feeling healthy through your recovery when you can’t eat a solid meal. They’re easy to consume, and you can put many of your favourite foods in and blend them together. Adding protein powder to your smoothie is a great way to sustain your protein intake while you can’t chew.
2. Soups
Soups can be a perfect meal after tooth extraction because many varieties are solely liquids. You can choose from many different vegetable liquid soups that are packed with nutrients and won’t irritate your extraction site, just make sure the temperature of the soup is low enough not to burn.
3. Eggs
Eggs are highly recommended by dentists who are familiar with the procedure, as they’re a source of high protein, filling and rich in vitamins. Scrambled eggs can be the best and easiest way to chew and swallow without bothering your extraction site.
4. Mashed potatoes
Potatoes are filling and rich in calories and minerals, and if you prepare them as a mash, they’re also easy to swallow. You can add butter and other seasonings to enhance the taste and use mashed potatoes as a comfort option to mix into your diet.
5. Greek yogurt
Many people find greek yoghurt to be a delicious food that’s easy to eat after dental surgery. Its smooth, creamy texture can soothe your mouth while providing you with protein, vitamins and minerals to help enhance your recovery.
Which foods should I avoid after tooth extraction?
Below we list foods to avoid after the procedure to encourage a successful recovery:
1. Spicy foods
Spicy foods can aggravate your mouth and gums and can cause pain to a fresh extraction site.
2. Chewy foods
You should avoid foods that you have to chew because they can quickly enter the wound with the action of chewing. You’re also at risk of biting your cheek, lips and tongue after the surgery while your mouth is numb.
3. Alcoholic beverages
Alcohol can irritate and inflame your extraction site. Alcohol may also react with other prescribed medication supporting your recovery, so it’s a good idea to avoid it during your recovery.
4. Crunchy snacks
Crunchy snacks, like chips and nuts, need chewing. They may also get stuck in the extraction site/dislodge the blood clot and disrupt the healing process.
Summary
Boon Dental provides effective tooth extraction procedures that can minimise your recovery time and get you back to your regular diet as soon as possible. Taking the necessary precautions with what to eat after tooth extraction by considering the foods in this article can enhance your recovery.
Get in touch today to find out more about the procedure or the recommended foods to consume after your surgery.