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.
Whether you're asking yourself, "What can I eat after tooth extraction?" or for a list of soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, so you're prepared, we are going to provide you with eight soft foods to eat after any tooth extraction.
You want to make sure that you are staying nourished, even with limited options compared to your regular diet. If you have any questions about what you can eat or need to see a dentist after your surgery, we are here for you.
Let's look at eight soft foods to eat after tooth extraction:
1. Soup
During the first few days after you have surgery, soup should be at the top of your list of soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
Pureed vegetable soups are healthy and easy on your mouth and teeth because there aren't large pieces of vegetable or meat that you would have to chew.
Soup has potassium, vitamin A and fiber and will keep you nourished if you want the taste of chicken or protein, strain chicken noodle soup to get rid of the big pieces, and have the broth.
Be careful not to eat the soup hot; make sure it's lukewarm or cold because if it's too hot, it will hurt where your tooth was extracted and might cause infection.
2. Applesauce
Applesauce is made with little ingredients and is mostly pureed apples. It's very soft and the perfect temperature for people recovering from tooth surgery.
Applesauce can help with proper digestion, which is essential because your diet may be off for a little after having your teeth extracted. It includes vitamin C, K, and potassium and is a healthy snack option when you're craving something a little sweeter.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is a light food that is another great healthy breakfast or snack to have after wisdom teeth removal or if you get a tooth pulled. You should get plain yogurt that doesn't have pieces of fruit or granola in it.
Yogurt includes probiotics that are good for your digestion and can help boost your immune system. It provides B vitamins and vitamin D.
4. Eggs
Eggs are a source of protein and good for breakfast or dinner when you need to be easy on your teeth and mouth after surgery. Eggs have vitamins A and B-12, which help keep up your immune system.
Scrambled is the softest way to make eggs because they're easy to eat, and you don't have to chew. You could even add cheese before you scramble the eggs for extra flavor.
5. Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is less chewy than regular oatmeal, but you should be cautious before eating it, depending on what dental procedure you had done. If you got any wisdom teeth taken out, you should wait about three days before eating oatmeal.
To avoid irritating your mouth, make sure that the oatmeal is lukewarm before you eat it. Oatmeal has a lot of fiber and has a lot of vitamins and minerals to keep up your energy and make you feel full.
6. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a great vegetable to add to the list of foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
You can get a lot of nutrients and energy in only a quick few bites of mashed potatoes, which you may need if you're struggling to eat a lot initially after your dental surgery. Again, make sure the potatoes are lukewarm or cold.
7. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a soft source of protein that you can eat as a snack, or you can add it to enhance your other meals.
For example, you can add it to eggs or blend them into smoothies for extra flavor.
8. Ice Cream
Ice cream is not only delicious but is one of the most recommended foods after you have a dental procedure.
It's incredibly soft and cold, which can help with swelling and soothe the extracted are of your tooth.
Treat yourself after your surgery and get your favorite ice cream, and as your recovery process goes on, if you're looking for a healthier option, try making