A tooth extraction procedure may sound scary but removing it surgically is quite a simple and brave step that aids in overall dental health in the long run.
If you are done with it, then ‘bravo.’ Loosen up and relax; the hardest part is over. But now you must be wondering- what to eat after tooth extraction?
A well-balanced, soft, and nutritious diet must be taken after tooth extraction to help reduce any complications and promote the wound healing process. The top food choices include:
- Smoothly blended soups
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Eggs
- Mashed or pureed food.
A soft diet that needs less chewing and biting is advised to make tooth extraction post-period easier and painless for you. However, such foods’ temperature must be maintained as most hot and cold foods can upset the area.
The essential thing here is to make such dietary choices that are nutritious and filling as well, and that is what I am going to talk about here as well as 3 days diet plan to follow soon after tooth extraction.
Also Read: What to Eat with Braces?
What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
Having the first meal after tooth extraction may seem an effort, so do not forget to carefully remove any gauze or cotton that was placed at the extraction site to stop bleeding. (1)
Gently rinse your mouth to ensure oral hygiene and to prevent any blood from getting mixed with food.
Foods that can be taken after tooth extraction must not trigger any pain at the extraction site. So, the best possible options are soft and pureed food, mashed vegetables, applesauce, eggs, and blended soups, which can be safely taken after the procedure at room temperature.
10 Best Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Here is the list of 10 best foods that you can eat after tooth removal. I have also explained the reasons behind eating these foods so that you can be confident when you start eating these foods.
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Beverages
- Mashed or Pureed Foods
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Greek Yogurt
- Chia pudding
- Greek fish
- Custard, Semolina Pudding and Tapioca Pudding
Now let me explain one by one that why you should eat these foods and how.
Also Read: 15 Reasons Not To Get Braces – Genuine Side Effects Explained
1. Soup
Soup is a nutritious food item that is fulfilling and has excellent proteins for the healing process. A Lukewarm or cold bowl of soup with small pieces of steamed vegetables makes a healthy choice for the aftercare regime.
You can gradually introduce soft bread in your diet or soak the bread in the soup to make it easier to chew and swallow while eating.
2. Smoothies
A smoothie is the best food choice to infuse fruit into your diet after tooth extraction. Add some yogurt to your favorite fruits and blend them to add fiber, calcium, and probiotics to the drink.
Dark, leafy vegetables carry an immense amount of Vitamin K, which is a critical element in blood clotting and maintaining bone metabolism. They are full of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. (2)
Add healthy sweeteners like honey to your drink to make it more valuable.
Make sure to make your smoothie a little runny so you can drink it easily without a straw. Straws are not advisable after tooth extraction as sucking can dislodge the blood clot.
Do not make them too cold as it can cause sensitivity to the gums.
3. Beverages
The main focus after the tooth extraction procedure must be on drinking lots of water to facilitate faster healing. Instant drinks like Pedialyte and Gatorade can be helpful in hydration.
Avoid hot liquids, sodas, and alcoholic beverages. Beverages that contain citric acid such as lemonade, margaritas, or orange juice must be avoided for about a week.
Staying hydrated is a key to heal up quickly after tooth extraction.
4. Mashed or Pureed Foods
You can mash or make a puree of your favorite foods, including fruits and vegetables like avocados, bananas, carrots, potatoes, to obtain enough nutrients required by your body while having soft foods after tooth removal.
You may require higher energy demand after tooth extraction, and nothing is better than mashed potatoes which are full of calories and nutrients. It can act as a comfort food after tooth removal.
They are an excellent source of micronutrients and provide a significant amount of fiber to the diet.(3) They can be eaten easily and provide full nutrition in few bites.
5. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are soft and easy to chew. They are full of protein but should not be eaten hot as they can cause discomfort.
Eggs are a superfood and loaded with all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for nourishment in a body. They help to build and maintain strong muscles.
Eggs contain vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium. It helps in cell growth, tooth health, and healthy skin. (4)
Eggs are fluffy and tender in texture, and they can be easily eaten after tooth extraction. You can add cheese to your scrambled eggs as well to have extra calcium in your diet.
6. Oatmeal
An excellent way to put some warm and solid nutrition into your belly is by adding oatmeal into your diet after tooth extraction.
Instant oats are not only nutritious but also easy to swallow without chomping down. They are the best source of dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and minerals. (5)
The best way is to soak oats overnight so they can be properly emulsified during cooking in the morning. You can stir in some honey or brown sugar to highlight the taste if you do not like plain oats.
However, make sure not to eat it too hot because hot oatmeal can upset the extraction site. It is also recommended not to eat oatmeal exactly after tooth extraction; instead, you should try it at least after 3 days.
7. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt’s smooth and creamy texture can be soothing after any dental procedure.
It is concentrated with high-quality protein, which may aid in the recovery process. Several studies show that a low-protein diet can lead to a slower recovery process. (6) Therefore, Greek yogurt will be a healing addition to your diet.
8. Chia pudding
Chia seeds can add an extra boost of goodness to your diet after tooth extraction.
Their health benefits are enormous and are so versatile that they can be eaten sweet or savory.
Chia seeds are a rich source of essential nutrients like calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin A which are important for strong teeth and healthy gums. (7)
You can add them to any gravy or can have them with milk. They create a feeling of fullness for a longer period and are easy to swallow after dental surgery.
9. Grilled Fish
Fish is high in protein and low in fat loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids. (8)
After the tooth extraction procedure, it is advised to avoid chewy meat like chicken or beef. But you can take soft boneless fish to fulfill the requirements of proteins.
Do not add too many spices to the fish. You can grill it or bake it as per your choice.
10. Custard, Semolina Pudding, and Tapioca Pudding
These mood-lifting desserts are a perfect treat after the tooth extraction process. You can pair them with mashed rice or can devour them alone.
The main ingredient in these desserts is milk which is a nutritious choice for bone health. These treat foods can give a kickstart to an already depressed mood.
You can add healthy sugar substitutes like honey or jaggery to lift their taste and flavor.
Still confused? Don’t worry! We have developed a proper diet plan which can easily be taken after tooth extraction.
3 Days Easy Diet Plan to Follow After Tooth Extraction
The first few days are very crucial following tooth extraction because any damage to the already sensitive gums may cause further complications.
Eat a soft diet for at least 3 days and then gradually add semi-solid Food to the diet.
Any unsettling soreness, aches, and pains must be reported to your dentist so that they can be resolved at their earliest.
One must eat proper nutritious meals to diminish the risk of complications associated with post tooth extraction procedure.
A diet abundant in vitamins and proteins assists in the wound healing process and provides enough nourishment to reduce swelling. (9)
Let us have a look at our daily choices in detail!
Breakfast
Breakfast is ‘the most important’ meal of the day. Healthy choices must be made during breakfast to boost your energy levels.
I have added scrambled eggs, applesauce, fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies, cheese, and oatmeal to your breakfast choices.
Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein(10) and give a kick start of energy which is needed in the morning. They can be cooked in different recipes. You can scramble them or have them poached to easily chew them after the tooth extraction procedure.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a beneficial option after tooth extraction as it adds fiber to the diet.
Apples are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber. It can help in a stronger immune system and wound healing. (11)
Make sure to puree whole apples as you are not yet ready to chew any solids.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies
Another way to add fiber to your diet during this process is blending your favorite fruits and vegetables to make fresh smoothies.
Keep in mind that your drink’s too cold temperature can cause discomfort and sensitivity in the extraction area.
Cheese
Cottage cheese is a wise choice after tooth extraction. Its soft and creamy texture makes it convenient to chew and swallow as you are getting recovered after tooth removal.
It is low in calories and stuffed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Cheese is an outstanding source of calcium, protein, and essential fats(12). Some people try to avoid fatty foods but keep in mind that dietary fats provide our body with the energy that is needed to perform daily tasks.
Oatmeal
Soak some oats overnight and cook them in the morning with milk or water. You can add a sweetener like honey or mashed fruits to fuel up the taste of oatmeal.
Lunch
Take a light lunch with nutritious and healthy choices. You can have broth, mashed potatoes, Greek yogurt, grilled fish, and ramen with eggs. Some of the choices have been discussed earlier.
Broth
The broth is light and flavorful as it is simmered on low heat with meat and water. You can add vegetables and herbs for flavor as well.
Meat broths can have an anti-inflammatory effect which may help in increasing sleep quality as well.
Broths are hydrating packed with vitamins and minerals with some amazing healing properties. They have little or fewer calories making it a marvelous choice to have as a liquid diet after tooth extraction.
Boiled Ramen with Poached Eggs
Ramen may not be considered a much healthier choice, but it can add a little spice to the boring diet plan you are already following. When paired with eggs, it makes a suitable choice to have after tooth extraction.
You must consider poached eggs to go with boiled ramen as they make an easy to chew option as a soft diet after tooth extraction.
Dinner
Now let’s talk about dinner.
Mashed Beans and Greens
Mash or puree your favorite beans such as kidney, black, or butter beans to obtain a wealthy amount of protein into your diet.
Pureed green vegetables can provide an ample amount of dietary fibers and proteins, which may help to escalate the healing process after tooth extraction. (13)
Cheesecake
This marvelous confection has a higher level of antioxidants due to double the amount of calcium, less sugar, and more protein than a regular chocolate cake.
It is easy to chew and swallow, thus making it a good choice as a dessert in dinner after tooth extraction.
It is a wholesome dessert as it contains cheese and milk in abundance.
Soup with Soaked Bread
Blended soups are easy to consume if you have got your tooth removed. They are packed with nutrients and provide a fuller effect on the stomach if paired with soft or soaked bread.
Avoid eating thick or crusty bread as it may become a choking hazard after dental surgery.
Also Read: What to Eat After Root Canal?
What Not to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
Some people tend to forget and start eating solid and hard foods, which should be avoided. These foods must be avoided after tooth extraction.
- Crispy Snacks- one must stay clear of crispy and crunchy foods like nuts, chips, and popcorns that may trigger pain at the extraction site.
- Spicy Food-avoid spicy foods; they may cause discomfort to already sensitive gums.
- Acidic Food-keep yourself away from acidic Food like hot sauces and soft drinks.
- Too much hot or cold foods- too much hot or cold foods may cause tenderness or discomfort after the procedure and may linger the recovery time. The temperature of the food must be maintained to avoid agitating the sensitive area.
- Avoid Alcohol- alcohol seems to depress the immune system and can make the patient more susceptible to infection. (14) It is best to avoid any alcoholic beverages with any pain-reducing medicines to avoid further complications.
About 25% of the cases that develop dry sockets due to improper healing were in patients that smoked or consumed alcohol or both. (15)
How to Eat?
This question is as important as considering the types of foods themselves. You must chew from the opposite side of the treated area. It is the key to avoid any complications else it might lengthen the healing time.
If pain or swelling worsens, immediately contact your dentist.
DO’s and DON’Ts Following Tooth Extraction Procedure
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Eat?
Consume only a soft diet and liquids, especially for the first 24 hours. Ease into some normal and semi-solid diet once you feel comfortable eating it.
You should not be chewing much of the food as it can cause pain. As you start to recover, slowly start incorporating other foods into your daily routine.
Also Read: Soft Foods to Eat with Braces
Can I Eat Ice Cream After Tooth Extraction?
Eating ice cream is recommended after tooth extraction. Ice cream is cold and soothing to the extraction site, but it is very high in sugar content. So, cold yogurt is a healthy alternative to it.
It is better to soften the ice cream first. Its soft and cool texture can minimize any swelling and provide comfort to your tender mouth.
How Soon Can I Eat After Tooth Extraction?
Immediately following your tooth extraction, you must start with liquids or soft food, especially for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Wait for at least half an hour before removing the gauze from the extraction site. After that, start with a very soft diet which you can easily chew.
Can I Eat Rice After Tooth Extraction?
You can eat overcooked soft rice like curd rice or khichdi. Avoid sticky or crunchy rice that can dislodge the blood clot from the extraction site.
It is better to cook extremely soft rice with added milk or water.
Can I Eat Bread After Tooth Extraction?
You cannot eat crusty or crunchy pieces of bread for the first few days of the tooth extraction. However, u can have soaked bread with soup.
Toast, muffins, and bagels are out of the question for the first few days of your recovery as they can do some serious damage to the gums.
Can I Eat Noodles After Tooth Extraction?
Overcooked noodles are acceptable when taken with broth. Soft cooked pasta can be eaten as it requires less chewing. It is advised to start with this food only after the third day of your procedure.
But be mindful of anything hot as it can cause problems at the extraction site. Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
Also Read: Fast Foods to Eat with Braces
What to Drink After Tooth Extraction?
Focus on drinking lots of water after your procedure. It eases the healing process.
Have more smoothies, soup, and broths. Try to add healthy options to your diet.
Avoid alcoholic, acidic, and caffeine beverages for the first few days after tooth removal.
Final Word
Try to stick to soft and easy to chew foods for at least a week. Avoid consuming alcohol and eating hard or brittle foods. Try to find alternatives to fulfill the nutrients of the body. Take great care of the tender gums to avoid dental decay after tooth extraction by having a more soft diet and liquids while the healing process finishes. Get as creative as you can with your special diet, and do not forget to comment on those suggestions in the comments section below.
A nutrition degree holder and a foodie by heart, Madiha Saad loves to inspire people through her writings and uses her knowledge and experience to write articles on trending nutrition topics. She loves to develop new recipes in her pastime. Read More…
Imelda Rivas says
Thank you for the detailed advice. I appreciate how you broke things down.
Madiha Saad says
You are most welcome. I am glad that you found this article helpful
Janelle says
Thank you, this is very helpful for me especially I had my wisdom tooth extracted 5 hours ago.
Madiha Saad says
You are most welcome. I am glad that you liked my efforts. Please take your great care and follow healthy diet so that you can recover as soon as possible.
Lorraine Pernigoni says
Thank you for your very informative advice and food suggestions. I’m glad I found your article as I was getting kind of hungry. Now I can make good choices and heal up properly after having two molars extracted yesterday which required stitches. The dentists just don’t have much time to educate us, so your article is much appreciated!
Madiha Saad says
We are really grateful that you have taken the time to acknowledge and appreciate us. We send you our best wishes for a speedy recovery and continued good health.