WHAT TO EAT AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION: 10 SOFT FOODS TO STOCK UP ON

All dental surgeries tend to create a painful recovery and a tooth extraction is no exception. To assist you in the days following the procedure, we created this thorough list of what to eat after tooth extraction. If you follow proper mouth care by eating the right foods and listening to the directions of your dental surgeon, you could reduce discomfort and encourage your mouth to heal during recovery.

WHAT TO EAT AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION

Overall, it’s ideal to consume soft foods after you have teeth pulled, as a soft texture makes eating more comfortable when you’re in pain and reduces rough foods and chewing that could inhibit healing. Nonetheless, soft foods and liquids are not always filling or comforting, so we developed this list of 10 soft foods to keep you satisfied while you recover:

• Applesauce: Applesauce provides a smart food choice because it’s smooth and cold, while also filling and tasty. This acts as a smart replacement for pieces of fruit.
• Eggs: Whether you prefer eggs scrambled or cooked with another method, they are soft enough for the time after surgery and will provide protein while you’re avoiding meat.
• Cool Soup:Pureed soups will be best post-surgery because you’ll avoid all irritation, although soft vegetables could be okay. Try to enjoy cool or lukewarm soup to minimize irritation from heat.
• Yogurt:Yogurt provides a smooth texture, protein and coolness that are perfect for after the day teeth are removed, although you should avoid flavors with fruit seeds such as raspberry.
• Ice Cream/Milkshakes:You have an excuse to indulge in these dairy treats when you’re experiencing pain from surgery. Not only are they soft, they provide coldness to help reduce irritation and inflammation.
• Smoothies:Create a smoothie out of fruit and yogurt for healthy nutrients during recovery. This treat is smooth without irritation, but hold the seeds.
• Jello/Pudding:Jello and pudding are treats people rely on after oral surgeries because they are gentle and soothing on the mouth.
• Mashed Potatoes: Puree potatoes well and they will provide a prime type of food to eat after an extraction, filling and satisfying you without irritation.
• Pancakes: You don’t have to solely eat mush while recovering from surgery. Pancakes provide a safe bet that are enjoyable, filling and soft on your teeth and gums. Consider having a whole meal of eggs and pancakes.
• Pasta/Ramen Noodles: When you’re consuming foods that are gentle, choose soft noodles such as pasta with a pureed sauce or Ramen noodles.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

Avoiding eating certain foods after extractions that could worsen your mouth condition, increase pain and discomfort, and interfere with the healing process. Some major foods to avoid include:

• Nuts: Nuts such as peanuts or almonds are a type of crunchy food that could cause pain and create pieces that lodge into your gum socket.
• Candy: Candy contributes sugar that is damaging to mouth health. In addition, a lot of candy is overly chewy or hard, resulting in problems in your mouth such as broken pieces with sharp edges that could cut the healing socket.
• Spicy Food:Spicy food might be harsh on your mouth, with the burn of the spice irritating the gums and encouraging pain.
• Popcorn: Popcorn tends to lodge into teeth and gums on a normal day, so it’s not a smart idea to eat it while recovering when the pieces could get stuck in the wound.
• Seeds:Since seeds such as sunflower seeds or fruit seeds are small and hard, they could lodge into your healing gums.

Help your mouth heal after having a tooth removed by following this comprehensive list of soft food to eat.