What Can I Eat After Tooth Extraction — Soft Food Tips
Are you wondering what you can eat after a tooth extraction?
We’ve covered you with helpful advice and soft food tips to make your recovery smoother and more comfortable.
When teeth are extracted, your mouth requires time to recover. The food you consume during this stage is essential in this process, and it is also swift.
Consumption of the appropriate foods can assist in this by minimising irritation, aiding tissue healing and decreasing the chance of infection or a dry socket. That’s why it’s essential to stick to soft foods after your procedure until your dentist gives the green light to return to your regular diet.
So, what should you eat after tooth extraction? We will discuss some of the finest eating choices and valuable hints to help you during the days after undergoing the treatment.
Why Soft Foods Matter After a Tooth Extraction
Your mouth is especially sensitive after an extraction, particularly near the site where the tooth was removed. Chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can disrupt clot formation, cause pain, and potentially delay healing.
Soft foods are gentle on your gums, easier to chew (or don’t require chewing) and help avoid unnecessary pressure on the extraction area.
In the first days after the procedure, it is a clever idea to refuse a regular diet and eat soft food, which will help you facilitate the healing process and provide your body with the necessary nutrients.
Top Soft Foods to Consume Following Tooth Extraction
Here’s a list of soft and safe food choices that can keep you nourished while giving your mouth a break:
- Soup
Smooth, pureed vegetable or chicken soups are comforting and easy to eat. However, they should not be too hot, as high temperatures can irritate the extraction site. - Applesauce
Applesauce is smooth, slightly sweet, and doesn’t require any chewing. Its cool temperature also helps soothe inflammation. - Yogurt
Stick to plain yogurt without fruit chunks or granola. It’s gentle, probiotic-rich, and a great breakfast or snack option. - Eggs
With their high protein content and easy chewing, soft scrambled eggs are suitable for any meal. - Oatmeal
To avoid irritating your gum, ensure the oatmeal is lukewarm before you eat it. - Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are filling and easy on your mouth. You can also try mashed sweet potatoes for a nutrient-dense twist. - Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is one source of protein. It can be consumed as a snack or combined with other dishes.
Tips for Eating After Tooth Extraction
Now that you have a list of what to eat after tooth extraction, here are a few tips to help you eat more comfortably and safely:
- Keep meals small during the first few days. Large meals can be harder to manage and may put too much strain on the extraction site.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth, mainly if only one tooth was extracted.
- Stay hydrated with water, but avoid drinking through a straw for at least 3–5 days.
- Avoid acidic and spicy food since they burn the region, leading to irritation.
- Let hot foods cool down before eating to avoid disturbing the healing tissues.
Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
Just as some foods help your recovery, some could interfere with it. Avoid:
- Crunchy snacks like chips or crackers
- Hard fruits and vegetables
- Sticky candies or chewing gum
- Carbonated or alcoholic beverages
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Any food requiring aggressive chewing
Being cautious about what to eat after tooth extraction can prevent unnecessary complications, such as dislodging the clot or reopening the wound.
How Long Should You Stick to Soft Foods?
Most people are advised to eat soft foods for at least 24 to 72 hours after a tooth extraction. For more complex extractions or if your healing is slower, your dentist may recommend continuing a soft food diet for up to a week or more.
Always follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and reach out if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or bleeding.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare in Canley Heights
At Canley Heights Dental Care, we hope your tooth extraction went well and you fully recovered. We also want to provide reasonable suggestions for what to do after the teeth are pulled out.
Having soft foods to consume, you could not wait to return to how you used to eat.
However, hold on to our list since you or someone you know might have a dental procedure soon.
Experience advanced dentistry and patient-friendly care you can trust. Visit your dentist at least every 6 months to ensure optimum oral health.
Our dental team is here to ensure that every dental appointment is as easy and enjoyable as possible. Contact us to make an appointment.
Visit your Canley Heights dentist today!
Call us at (02) 9199 9678 or make an online appointment.
We are located at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.
