Getting a tooth pulled out can be a bit scary, but don’t worry, it’s a very common procedure. Once the tooth is out, the hard part is over. Now, it’s all about letting your body heal. And a big part of that healing process is what you choose to eat.
Think of it like this: your mouth has a fresh wound. Just like if you scraped your knee, you’d want to be careful with it. You wouldn’t want to rub dirt on it, right? In the same way, what you eating after tooth extraction can either help your healing or make it a bit more difficult.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about what to eat and what to avoid after a tooth extraction so that you can get back to your regular diet as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Why Your Diet Matters After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty socket. This blood clot is super important. It’s like a natural plaster that protects the bone and nerves underneath and helps new tissue grow. If this blood clot gets dislodged or damaged, it can lead to a painful condition called “dry socket.” Eating the wrong foods can easily disrupt the blood clot.
Imagine a crunchy piece of toast. Chewing on that could easily poke and prod at the healing area. Or think about a small seed from a strawberry. That little seed could get stuck in the socket and cause a problem. Sticking to soft, gentle foods in the first few days is the best way to protect that precious blood clot and avoid any unnecessary pain.
Eating After a Tooth Extraction
Let’s get to the good stuff – what you can eat! The key here is “soft, smooth, and easy to swallow.” You’ll want to focus on foods that require little to no chewing.
First 24-48 Hours (The Golden Rule: Stick to Liquids and Very Soft Foods)
- Soups (without chunks): Think smooth, pureed soups like pumpkin, tomato, or cream of mushroom. Make sure they’re not too hot – lukewarm is best.
- Yogurt: Plain or flavoured, yogurt is a fantastic choice. It’s cool, soothing, and packed with protein.
- Smoothies: A great way to get vitamins and nutrients. Use soft fruits like bananas or mangoes, and you can even add a scoop of protein powder. Just remember to use a spoon and not a straw (we’ll explain why later).
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food. It’s soft and easy to eat, and you can load it up with butter or gravy for extra calories.
- Applesauce: This is a perfect snack. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and requires no chewing.
- Pudding and Jelly: A nice little treat to keep your spirits up! Just make sure they’re not too cold.
After the First 48 Hours (Starting to Introduce Softer Solids)
Once the first couple of days have passed and you feel like you’re healing well, you can slowly start to introduce some slightly more solid foods.
- Scrambled Eggs: Soft, fluffy scrambled eggs are a great source of protein and easy to eat.
- Oatmeal or Porridge: A warm, comforting bowl of porridge is a great breakfast option. Just make sure it’s not too hot.
- Soft Cooked Pasta or Noodles: Think mac and cheese or well-cooked spaghetti.
- Soft Fish: Flaky, baked fish like cod or salmon is an excellent choice. It’s easy to break apart with your tongue.
- Cooked Vegetables: Well-cooked carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes can be mashed or cut into tiny pieces.
Foods to Avoid After a Tooth Extraction
Just as important as what to eat is what to avoid. These are the foods that can cause problems with your healing.
- Crunchy Foods: Chips, crackers, popcorn, and nuts can poke at the wound and dislodge the blood clot.
- Hard Foods: Foods like hard lollies, carrots, and crusty bread can be difficult to chew and put pressure on the extraction site.
- Spicy Foods: Anything spicy can irritate the healing tissues and cause discomfort.
- Sticky Foods: Foods like caramel or chewing gum can pull at the healing area.
- Foods with Small Seeds: Consuming strawberries, raspberries, and sesame seeds can lead to them getting stuck in the socket, potentially causing an infection.
What to Drink After a Tooth Extraction
Staying hydrated is key to a good recovery. Water is your best friend!
- Water: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and aid in the healing process.
- Lukewarm Tea and Coffee: You can have these, but make sure they’re not hot.
- Juice: Fruit and vegetable juices (without pulp) are a good way to get some nutrients.
Important Warning: NO STRAWS!
This is one of the most important rules. Sucking on a straw creates a vacuum in your mouth. This suction can easily pull the blood clot out of the socket, leading to a painful dry socket. Just sip from a cup or use a spoon.
Also, avoid alcohol for the first few days, as it can interfere with medication and healing.
Additional Tips for a Faster Recovery
Beyond your diet, a few other things can help you heal quickly.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking slows down the healing process and increases the risk of dry socket. It’s best to avoid it for as long as possible.
- Rest Up: Give your body a chance to recover. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24-48 hours.
- Follow the dentist’s instructions: The dentist, like dentist Brunswick, will give you specific instructions for your recovery. Make sure you follow them to the letter. This might include using a water rinse (gently, without swishing!) after the first 24 hours.
How Long Should You Follow Dietary Restrictions?
For most simple extractions, you should plan on sticking to a soft diet for at least 3-7 days. The first 48 hours are the most critical, so be extra careful during this time. After the first week, you can slowly start to reintroduce your regular foods. Listen to your body – if something feels uncomfortable, stop eating it.
A more complex procedure, such as a dental implant, may require a longer period of dietary restrictions. If you’ve had a procedure like an inlay vs an onlay, or a root canal, your dietary needs will be different again, so always follow the advice of your dental professional.
Signs You Might Be Eating the Wrong Foods
Your body will let you know if you’re pushing it too hard. Watch out for these signs:
- Pain: If you feel sharp pain when you chew or swallow, it’s a sign that the food is too hard or you’re chewing too close to the extraction site.
- Bleeding: If you notice fresh bleeding after eating, you might have dislodged the blood clot.
- Food getting stuck: If food particles are getting stuck in the socket and causing irritation, you need to stick to smoother foods.
Conclusion
After a tooth extraction, your body is doing some amazing work to heal itself. By choosing the right foods, you can give your recovery a helping hand and make it as smooth and pain-free as possible. Remember the golden rules: stick to soft, smooth foods, avoid straws, and listen to your body.
Here Right When You Need Us
If you have any concerns about your recovery or are experiencing prolonged pain or bleeding, don’t hesitate to contact the dentist.
If you’re in the Melbourne area and looking for a dentist, book your appointment at Brunswick Dental Practice, your trusted dentist Northcote and Brunswick. We’ll be able to give you personalised advice and care.
By being mindful of your diet and following the dentist’s instructions, you’ll be back to your usual self in no time!