How long should you eat soft food after tooth extraction

Table of Contents

  • 1 What are the consequences of tooth extraction?
  • 2 Aftercare after tooth extraction
  • 3 Can I eat after a tooth extraction?
    • 3.1 Recommended foods after tooth extraction
    • 3.2 What foods to eat the first week after an extraction?
    • 3.3 What foods to avoid after an extraction?

The choice of diet after a tooth extraction has a great influence on the patient's rapid recovery. Both in the moments after the operation and in the days that follow, it is necessary to pay special attention to our diet to avoid any unforeseen events and to guarantee a speedy recovery.

Do you have any doubts about what to eat after having a tooth extracted? Discover the recommendations of oral health experts to gradually introduce the right foods.

After tooth extraction, some of the most common symptoms are swelling and bleeding in the affected area. The wound gradually heals, which may take more or less time for each patient.

Generally, the simple extraction of a tooth or a molar without surgery does not require any special treatment other than painkillers.

On the other hand, when a wisdom tooth extraction or any other oral surgery is performed, the mouth remains swollen for 24 to 48 hours after the intervention. There is frequent discomfort when opening and closing the mouth, as well as increased sensitivity to cold or heat.

Once the tooth extraction has been performed, the patient must follow the recommendations given by the professional. It is important to leave the gauze over the wound for one hour to stop the bleeding. After this time, it should be removed definitively or a clean gauze should be applied if it continues to bleed.

The dentist may also recommend not rinsing for the first 24 hours, allowing the tooth socket to coagulate properly and allow healing to take place.

Following treatment with antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by the specialist, applying cold if there is swelling, and keeping the wound clean, are other basic care after an extraction or surgery.

Yes, it is possible to eat after an extraction. However, the general recommendation is that the patient should wait until the mouth is no longer numb from the anaesthesia to avoid accidentally biting themselves.

Immediately after the operation, and for 24 hours afterwards, there are a number of foods that can be eaten and others that are best avoided.

The recommended first meal after tooth extraction should consist of soft foods. Gradually, if the patient feels like it, it is possible to introduce semi-soft foods that can be easily broken or mashed with a fork.

Some of the most recommended foods are the following:

  • Apple compote
  • Fruit puree
  • Banana chips
  • Vegetable creams
  • Egg or minced fish

In order to alleviate post-intervention symptoms, cold or warm food is more pleasant for the patient.

It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as well as other healthy drinks in the form of natural juices or soups.

In the first few days, especially when it is a major operation such as the removal of wisdom teeth, food should be kept as much as possible soft . Gradually, soft and semi-soft foods at a rather warm temperature can be introduced.

The best foods to eat after an extraction are creamy cheeses, jellies, sliced bread, cereal porridges, vegetable purees, soup, cooked mashed vegetables, shredded chicken and eggs. In short, nutritious foods that help the patient's healing and recovery.

As important or even more important than the foods that can be eaten after a tooth extraction are those that are not at all recommended. There are some foods that due to their temperature, hardness or composition do not favour and delay the healing of the wound.

Foods that should not be eaten after surgery or tooth extraction include the following:

  • Hard and crunchy foods that may rub against the wound when chewing.
  • Small or granulated foodstuffs, as they could get trapped in the extraction gap.
  • Spicy or acidic foods that irritate the affected area.
  • Hot food.
  • Sweets, soft drinks, coffee, tea and stimulant drinks, which can delay healing.
  • Alcohol and tobacco.

If in doubt, it is always best to seek advice from your dentist or surgeon to ensure that you follow the correct hygiene and post-extraction care guidelines to ensure a speedy recovery.

What you eat after a tooth extraction procedure can help or hinder your recovery. In this post, our dentists in Edmonton offer some tips on what to eat in the days following your procedure, and which foods to avoid.

Eating After Tooth Extraction

Before your tooth extraction procedure at Azarko Dental Group, your dentist will explain the procedure to you and give thorough post-op instructions you should follow in the days after to ensure your recovery goes smoothly. Along with keeping the extraction site clean, how you eat (and the kinds of foods you dine on) will be important to your recovery. 

We recommend chewing on the opposite side of your mouth from the area that's been treated. Since you'll more likely to drink liquids than consume solids initially, you might have the urge to use a drinking straw. However, we advise against this since the suction that occurs when using a straw can dislodge the blood clot that protects nerve tissue and bone in the extraction site during the healing process. This causes a condition known as dry socket that can cause complications. 

Always feel free to contact us if you have questions or experience complications during your recovery. 

How soon can I eat after tooth extraction?

For at least 24 hours post-op, you should eat and drink only soft foods and beverages after a tooth extraction procedure. 

Most people will also wonder, "When can I eat normally after tooth extraction?" Most people can get back to eating solid foods after a few days, when healing should progress enough for your mouth to handle proper chewing. 

Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

Wondering what to eat after your tooth extraction? You'll want to stock up on soft foods to eat after your procedure. Foods you can chew easily will be best, as will those you can consume at cool temperatures, such as:

First 24 Hours

  • Pudding
  • Jell-O
  • Applesauce (to add fibre to your diet)
  • Water (after first hour following the tooth extraction to help hydration)

After First Day

After the first 24 hours, most patients will be able to move on to lukewarm foods (not hot). These might include:

  • Pancakes
  • Yogurt
  • Milk
  • Ice cream (no chewy or crunchy candy pieces. Eat in bowl, not cone)
  • Shakes/smoothies
  • Bananas
  • Cheese
  • Broth-based soups (no large chunks of meat)
  • Oatmeal
  • Mashed sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes '
  • Scrambled eggs 

Which foods should I avoid after a tooth extraction?

We strongly recommend patients who have had a tooth extraction avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours following their procedure. Also, avoid consuming alcohol if you are on powerful pain medications. While milk is a great source of calcium and yogurt is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, we advise against consuming milk products for the first 24 hours or so if you've had anesthesia or are taking pain medication, as nausea may develop. 

For approximately one week, we also advise against eating chewy, crunchy, brittle or hard foods such as nuts, chips and popcorn. Spicy, acidic foods are also out as they may irritate the extraction site. Properly chewing tough cuts of meat may also be difficult since these require chomping and grinding - which may be uncomfortable during recovery. That said, dairy products can be a source of protein. 

Do you have questions about what to eat after a tooth extraction? Contact our Edmonton dentists for advice today.

How soon can I eat solid food after tooth extraction?

Normally, you should avoid solid food for just 24 hours after your oral surgery, after which it may be okay to eat it again. It's very important to talk to your dentist about specific eating instructions, as it depends on the type of treatment that you have received as well as your own individual healing time.

What can I eat 4 days after tooth extraction?

Generally, you'll want to stick to liquids and soft, mushy foods for 3 to 5 days, including:.
Blended soups (easy to eat, nutrient-rich and hydrating).
Broths (full of essential vitamins and minerals to aid recovery).
Yogurt..
Pudding..
Smoothies..
Potatoes (mashed, sweet or regular).
Apple sauce..
Seedless, pureed fruit..

What can I eat 7 days after tooth extraction?

After 7 days, you should be able to return to your usual diet. Still, it's recommended that you keep avoiding very crunchy and hot food for a few days longer. If you have any stitches, they will most likely dissolve and fall out in approximately a week, so you don't have to go and get them removed.

What happens if I eat solid food after tooth extraction?

Solid foods that are firm or sharp can injure the recovery site or even dislodge the blood clot, which can lead to a dry socket. Choosing soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal goes a long way towards hastening the healing process and minimizes pain while eating.