Eating after a tooth extraction is a vital part of the recovery process. Firstly, you should know that you can eat after tooth extraction. No rule says starving yourself after the surgery is the key to a healthy recovery. However, you should be mindful of what you eat. For instance, munching on something chewy or hard is out of the question. Not only is it painful to eat after your tooth extraction procedure, but it can also cause complications like an infection. Therefore, soft food is the preferred option instead.
For your benefit, it is better to follow these tips for eating after tooth extraction:
- Eat or chew from the other side of the mouth
- It is better to avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge your blood clot.
Eating After Tooth Extraction: What to Eat?
If you are thinking, “What can I eat after tooth extraction?” Go through the list below to know what you can eat after tooth extraction:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Scrambled Eggs
- Greek Yogurt
- Jell-O
- Ice cream
Mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs are soft and rich in nutrients, and they will help you in your recovery. They are easy to chew and fulfilling as well. Moreover, you can add cheese or avocado to make your scrambled eggs even tastier. Also, try eating eggs rich in omega-3 to help you recover after your tooth extraction surgery.
Smoothies are a good, yummy alternative. They can be even more beneficial with a scoop of protein powder. Fruit and vegetable smoothies will boost your recovery since you can drink them in minutes. They will provide you with the essential nutrients your body needs. Other options like blended soup are also nutrient-rich alternatives to keep you strong. Tomato, pumpkin, and French onion soup will help you in your recovery process. In addition, they provide hydration as well.
Greek yogurt is a good candidate if you want to have something simple. It is high in protein and calcium, helping in your recovery.
If your love for ice cream has you questioning, “How soon can I eat ice cream after tooth extraction?” we have good news: you can have ice cream in the first 24-48 hours of your surgery. You don’t need to give up this sweet delicacy following your tooth extraction!
Eating After Tooth Extraction: What to Avoid?
There are a few food options that you should avoid. Eating the following products after your tooth extraction can be bad for your recovery:
- Meat
- Chewy Foods
- Spicy Food
- Crunchy Food
- Alcohol or Alcoholic Beverages
If you are a meat lover, you may wonder, “When can I eat meat after tooth extraction?” Well, meat is chewy, and it is advised to avoid chewy and solid food after the procedure. It solely depends on your recovery when you can eat meat. It is better to avoid eating meat for a few days after your tooth extraction.
Other food options like spicy food can aggravate your extraction wound. Similarly, chewy and crunchy foods can go to the area of your surgery and irritate. Also, don’t consume alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, liquor, etc. They can impact your recovery negatively and interact with any medications your dentist has prescribed.
Avoid these foods for at least a week for a speedy and healthy recovery.
Closing Word
You should watch what you eat after your tooth extraction surgery. Make sure to eat soft, nutrient-rich meals, and avoid anything that can delay your healing. Have more questions regarding tooth extraction or any other dental query? Royalty Dental Associates is at your service. Just contact us at (281) 655-0500 (Spring Cypress) or (281) 288-0900 (Cypresswood).
