What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
The recovery process after a tooth extraction can vary significantly, depending on which tooth was removed. It’s not the same to extract a tooth from the upper or lower jaw, or from the back of the mouth compared to the center.
Let’s take a look at the foods you can eat and those you should avoid after having a tooth extracted.
What Can You Eat in the First 12 Hours?
On the same day of the procedure, you may lose your appetite, and once the anesthesia starts to wear off, you will likely feel some discomfort. However, it’s essential to eat, especially since you’ll have to take medication. On the first day, opt for light foods such as yogurt, fresh cheese, cheese bites, custards, or cold creams. If you experience swelling, you can enjoy a homemade ice pop, but be sure to suck on it rather than biting into it.
What to Eat the Day After Extraction
Your body needs energy; therefore, you can’t rely solely on soft foods. After the first 12 hours, it’s time to introduce slightly stronger, yet still soft, foods. You can eat a French omelet, mashed potatoes, or chicken broth with some noodles and flattened potatoes to make swallowing easier. Soft bread, like sliced bread, is also a good option since it’s easy to chew—just avoid toasted bread or crusty rolls.
To help strengthen your teeth, drink a glass of milk in the morning and evening, alternating with calcium-rich yogurt.
Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
Here are some foods you should avoid at all costs after having a tooth extracted:
Acidic Foods
Avoid highly acidic foods, such as vinegar and citrus fruits, especially after surgical extractions, as they can cause severe pain in the extraction area.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods will also negatively impact your healing process by increasing irritation, pain, and inflammation.
Crunchy or Hard Foods
During at least the first week, depending on the type of extraction, you should steer clear of foods that require significant chewing, like crunchy snacks, nuts, seeds, or toasted bread.
Alcoholic Beverages
Eliminate any type of alcoholic beverage from your diet for several weeks. You’ll likely be on medications, analgesics, and possibly antibiotics for a few days to reduce inflammation, pain, and prevent infections.