Got A Tooth Extraction? What Can You Eat And What Should You Avoid Eating?

Tooth extraction feels exactly how it sounds! Getting a tooth extracted requires you having to take care of the site of the extraction for a few weeks. This means soft brushing, cleaning the site properly, avoiding strenuous activities right after the extraction, and avoiding undue pressure on the extraction site by sucking or smoking.

Since the main objective of our teeth, and our mouth is to help us in consuming our food, there are certain restrictions that you should be aware of on what you can eat and what you should avoid after having a tooth extraction. Let’s dive right in!

How To Eat After an Extraction?
How you eat is just as important as what you eat right after getting a tooth extraction! It is best to use the opposite side of the affected area in the mouth to chew and eat your food for a few days, post-extraction. Also, contrary to popular belief, avoid the use of straw as the suction action could cause blood clots to get dislodged and increase your healing period!

What Can You Eat?
For the first 24 hours, try and stick with liquid and soft foods (like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, pudding, applesauce, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, and broth-based soups (without large meat chunks) are the best for you. Gradually, switch to normal food as and when you begin to feel comfortable. However, make sure that your food is at room temperature and not super-hot. Also, feel free to indulge in ice creams but without crunchy or chewy candies and avoid using ice cream cones.

What You Shouldn’t Eat?
Avoid hard, crunchy and chewy food for about a week after the extraction. Even crispy and grainy foods are not a good option for your tooth extraction site as they may disturb the equilibrium of the blood clot on the operated site. You will also not be able to chew sporty meats, which means that the only way to get your protein would be from dairy products. Avoid consuming alcohol while you are on pain medications.

Tooth extraction can take weeks to recover. It is crucial to maintain a strict regime of hygiene activities to ensure quick recovery. In case of pain or discomfort, revert back to soft foods and talk to your dentist at Smile Studio.