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10/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/22/2024 15:47

What You Should (and Should Not) Eat After a Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is uncomfortable - and it can make it difficult to find something easy to eat. But there's another reason you should be careful about what you eat after a tooth removal. Being mindful of yourdietcan help prevent damage after surgery.

That's important because the healing process starts immediately after a tooth extraction. Your dentist will place some cotton gauze in the area for you to bite into. The pressure helps to decrease the bleeding from your tooth's socket by forming a blood clot.

The wrong foods can disturb the surgery site and prevent the blood clot from forming or staying put. This disruption can slow recovery, increase the risk of infection, and cause complications like adry socket. On the other hand, taking in the right nutrients can speed up your healing, reduce swelling, and give you the energy you need to recover.

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What foods can you eat after a tooth extraction? The bestfoods to eat after wisdom teeth removal-- or any tooth extraction -- are soft and nutrient-rich. In fact, many dentists recommend sticking to liquids and soft, easy-to-eat foods for at least 24 to 48 hours after a tooth extraction. Abalanced dietwith liquids and soft foods canpromote healingand lessen discomfort. Examples include fruits, vegetables, starches, high-protein foods, and healthy fats.

Liquid diet You may not be able to tolerate soft foods during the first few days after tooth extraction, as tenderness and swelling is common. If so, you should stick to a strictly liquid diet.

A liquid diet may include:

  • Vegetable juices
  • Water
  • Caffeine-free beverages
  • Warm (not hot) pureed soups
  • Gelatin
  • Smoothies

Avoid using a strawright after a tooth extraction. The sucking action can cause excess strain and move the newly formed blood clot, which delays recovery.

Soft diet As your mouth begins to heal, you can transition to a soft diet with foods that are easy to chew and swallow. These foods may be chopped or ground into small pieces. Or they can be mashed up or pureed in a blender before eating.

Here are some soft foods to eat after tooth extraction:

  • Soups with soft vegetables or meat
  • Soft grains (like oatmeal, rice, cream of rice, and risotto)
  • Cooked pasta
  • Ripened sliced bananas
  • Applesauce
  • Baked apples (without the skin)
  • Baked or boiled sweet potatoes or yams
  • Spinach
  • Beets
  • Cooked carrot slices
  • Mashed potatoes

High-protein foods It's important to includehigh-protein foodsin your diet. Doing so can help speed up the healing process. You can add protein to smoothies or soups.

Foods that are high in protein include:

  • Protein powder
  • Yogurt (Tip: Greek yogurt is higher in protein than regular yogurt.)
  • Cottage cheese
  • Tofu
  • Lean meats and fish
  • Scrambled eggs

Healthy fats You can addhealthy fatsto promote wound healing. Some healthy fats to include in your diet are:

  • Avocado
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Coconut butter
  • Flax oil

What foods should you avoid after tooth extraction? To ensure a quick recovery, avoid foods that can irritate the open tooth socket. Any foods that may get stuck in the open tooth socket will interfere with the blood clot forming. This can delay your healing process and may cause a painful infection.

Foods to avoid after a tooth extraction include:

  • Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods (like seeds, nuts, chips, and candies)
  • Acidic foods (like citrus fruits and tomatoes)
  • Hot and spicy foods
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Alcohol

Frequently asked questions

When can you drink carbonated drinks after tooth extraction?expand_more Many dentists recommend waiting 3 to 7 days after a tooth extraction before drinking carbonated beverages like soda or sparkling water. The bubbles in these drinks can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. Be sure to follow your dentist's specific recommendations, as they may vary from person to person.

Can I eat bread after tooth extraction?expand_more

Is oatmeal good to eat after tooth extraction?expand_more

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" data-qa="ContentCalloutH2Title" The bottom line Having a tooth extraction may be a scary experience. But you may be able to speed up your recovery and prevent complications by following a proper diet.

Contact your dentist if you're not sure what to eat after a tooth extraction. They can help you make the right dietary choices for a smooth recovery.