Recently had your tooth extracted or you’re talking to your dentist about a tooth extraction procedure?
We chatted with Dentist Chris about why we might recommend tooth extraction, what to expect, and (most importantly) what you can eat after the procedure.
When tooth extraction may be required
After the tooth extraction horror stories passed down from parents and grandparents, it’s completely natural if you’re feeling a little nervous about the procedure. But the reassuring truth? As dentists, our primary goal is to save your natural teeth where possible, and we only turn to tooth extraction when it’s necessary.
Some of the common reasons we may need to consider tooth extraction include:
- Severely damaged teeth
- Dental infections
- Structural damage that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown
- Wisdom teeth that are causing you pain or discomfort
- Crowded teeth (either for alignment or as part of your orthodontic plan)
- Where teeth need to be removed to avoid further dental or gum damage
That said, tooth extraction at Allure Smiles is never a ‘find, grab, remove’ situation.
If we find a tooth that needs extraction, we walk through the process, chat about alternative options and next steps together. Not only does this mean you get to ask any questions that come to mind, but you can also make an informed decision.
What can you eat after a tooth extraction?
Simply put: chewy, crunchy and hard foods are out and soft foods are in.
After tooth extraction, it’s all about giving your smile a little extra care and tenderness – especially during the first week. Here, sticking to a soft foods diet reduces the risk of pain or irritation. It also keeps the area comfortable and protects your healing gums.
Here’s what Dentist Chris recommends you eat during your first week of tooth extraction.
Foods you can eat within the first 24 hours of tooth extraction
Choosing soft foods within your first 24 hours is a must and can include:
- Ice cream, sorbet or frozen yoghurt – but avoid anything with chunky bits (so no cookie dough or toffee bits)
- Apple sauce or pureed fruit
- Mashed fruit (such as banana, mango or even avocado)
- Smooth yoghurt (without fruit bits, nuts or oats)
- Milkshakes or smoothies
- Pudding or custard
- Dips and soft cheeses (such as cottage cheese, cream cheese or hummus)
- Scrambled or poached eggs
- Lukewarm, smooth-style soups
If it’s liquid or soft, it’s a go!
Curious why jelly isn’t on the list? While jelly is a ‘soft food’, Dentist Chris recommends staying clear of this dessert. Sadly, sticky foods like this can interfere with stitches or could get lodged in your extraction wound.
Foods to enjoy on days 2-3 of tooth extraction
Here, you can start to introduce additional foods with minimal chewing involved.
This could be:
- Soft bread or wraps (no seeds)
- Well-cooked pasta, rice and noodles
- Soft vegetables or mashed potatoes
- Pancakes
- Warmer soups
Foods to enjoy after day 3
You might feel like things are healing nicely, but Dentist Chris cautions jumping into your normal diet just yet.
After day 3 of tooth extraction, you can try eating:
- Scrambled eggs
- Grilled or poached fish
- Minced beef or meat
- Poached or shredded chicken
- Oat porridge
- Harder cheeses
- Soft sushi
Does the tooth extraction area feel tender or irritated? Stop eating that food immediately and go back to soft foods where possible.
And if you experience pain, bleeding, or feel food is getting stuck, it’s best to go back to your soft diet.
What drinks can you have after a tooth extraction?
Liquids might be king after tooth extraction, but Dentist Chris recommends avoiding hot drinks where possible. Instead, stick to:
- Water
- Lukewarm tea and coffee
- Juice and other non-pulp juice mixes
Keeping hydrated with lots of water can also help during the healing process.
What food and drinks should you avoid after tooth extraction?
We’ve talked about what food and drinks you can have after tooth extraction, so let’s jump into what to avoid.
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Bagels and other chewy breads
- Sticky foods such as caramel, chewing gums or peanut butter
- Foods with seeds, even small, soft seeds like strawberries or raspberries
- Alcohol and alcoholic drinks
- Fizzy (carbonated) or sugary drinks
- Popcorn, chips or crisps
- Hard lollies
- Crispy fruits and raw vegetables, such as carrots or apples
- Crusty bread or bread with hard crusts
- Hot chips or fries
- Pizza, especially those with crunchy toppings
- Nuts, seeds and cereals
Essentially, avoid anything extra chewy, crunchy or hard. These foods and drinks can not only irritate or pressure the tooth extraction area, but can also cause pain or discomfort.
Dentist Chris also recommends avoiding drinking out of straws. While a straw seems like a safe option, it can create a vacuum in your mouth and the suction could pull the blood clot out of the socket.
Other activities and tips to recover from your tooth extraction faster
To give your mouth and gums time to heal, Dentist Chris also recommends in your first 24-48 hours:
- Avoid smoking or vaping
- Drinking plenty of water
- Skip the coffee and caffeinated drinks
- Avoid brushing your teeth or flossing near the area
- Listen to your body and have plenty of rest
We also recommend being careful with cold drinks and going slowly, as the area might still be sensitive.
When should you call the dentist?
As a rule of thumb, if you experience any bleeding, severe or sharp pain when you chew or swallow or have intense swelling after 48 hours, call your dentist!
Have a question about your recent tooth extraction or think you might need a tooth removed? Our Allure Smiles dentists are here to help! Call us or book an appointment with our friendly dentist team.
