Within this blog we will be covering all the key points to know about what you can eat after a tooth extraction. This includes what a tooth extraction is, what to eat after a tooth extraction and items to avoid.
What is Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is a procedure which involves either the removal of a tooth/ teeth and
/ or their associated roots. The aim is to remove the tooth with ideally minimal damage to any surrounding tissues (gum or bone). The process itself is done in a way which ensures that healing will occur successfully without complications. The dental surgeon should explain to you the steps to undertake following the procedure and give you a guide on what you should and should not do. Following this guide and the instructions for aftercare are essential in ensuring that the area heals correctly and there are no future complications such as infection.
Eating After the Tooth Extraction
Following a tooth extraction, you will be able to eat after the aesthetic wears off, however it is best if you consume a certain set of foods in the immediate 24 hours period after the procedure and potentially the next few days also. These foods are detailed below, and they are the best options to avoid aggravating the extraction area or negatively impacting the healing process:
- Greek yogurt can be an ideal snack to consume following your tooth extraction. This is because it is high in calcium and protein which is useful in the recovery process following your extraction. Additionally, the soft creamy texture will not pose a risk to the extraction area and is unlikely to aggravate the wound.
- Similarly mashed potatoes are also an ideal food to consume following extraction due to its soft creamy texture. Additionally, it possesses many beneficial nutrients that can help with your recovery and its lukewarm temperature will avoid irritation. Mashed potatoes are also very filling and will avoid you having to consume additional food soon after, which may aggravate the wound.
- Blended soups can be ideal as they consist of nutrient rich vegetables which will aid the recovery process, and it will keep you hydrated for long periods of time. However, this soup should be consumed at a lukewarm temperature and not hot to avoid irritation and also try to avoid soups with big chunks of meat or vegetables.
- A great food to consume following a tooth extraction is scrambled eggs, as they are rich in many vitamins and protein which aid recovery. Ideally try to use omega-3 enriched eggs as these fats can further aid recovery. Scrambled eggs are also very easy to consume and swallow, without aggravating your wound.
- A smoothie can be a very easy and adaptable meal to consume at any time during the day, be it a breakfast, snack, or dessert. Not only do the fruits/vegetables contain the vitamins needed to speed up recovery, but they also will be consumed in a soft liquid fashion thus avoiding irritation to the affected area.
What to Avoid
As well as following the aforementioned tips on what foods/drinks you should consume in the period following extraction, you should also consider which foods/drinks to avoid. Some of these items which you should try best to avoid have been detailed below
- While crunchy snacks may be tempting, especially after consuming a soft liquid-based diet you should be very careful. This is because crunchy snacks such as cookies or crisps can very easily leave crumbs in your extraction area which can seriously hamper the healing process. This is also applicable to items such as nuts which can be particularly problematic
- Spicy foods can be a major issue following extraction as they can go near your wound and cause significant irritation, thus slowing the healing
- Smoking is by far and away the worst things to do after extraction, as the significantly delay recovery and can lead to socket infection (dry socket), whilst alcohol can also potentially interact negatively with prescribed medications. Subsequently, it is recommended to avoid any spirits, wine, beer and smoking until the wound has fully healed.
- Any sticky or chewy foods should also be avoided as they can irritate the extraction area and potentially become stuck in this area, delaying healing significantly
- Meat can be a significant hindrance to your recovery process as it required a high amount of chewing and biting, leaving your wound open to potential aggravation. Any aggravation caused can slow down the healing process, and have an adverse effect on your recovery.
