Once you’ve scheduled the surgery, you may wonder what to eat after tooth extraction. And as you might expect, soft foods are ideal during the first few days of recovery.
What are good choices?
1. Eat: Ice Cream – Unless you have particularly sensitive teeth, ice cream tops of the list of what to eat after tooth extraction, especially in the summer. It’s cool and soft, so you can eat it comfortably even when your mouth is tender. Because ice cream is cold, it can help minimize any natural swelling that occurs in the mouth.
2. Eat: Cool Soup – Pureed, lukewarm or cool soups are also great to eat after a tooth’s removal. Soup is not only easy to eat after your surgery, but it also contains plenty of nutrients and, in some cases, protein to help the muscles in your face feel better. To avoid any discomfort, make sure the soup is as smooth as possible before you eat it.
3. Eat: Smoothies – Fresh fruits tend to be at their peak in the summer. One of the best ways to enjoy them after you’ve had a tooth pulled is in smoothie form. Blend the fruits with some yogurt or kefir to add protein, calcium, and probiotics to the drink. Adding yogurt or a similar type of dairy to the smoothie also helps it become less acidic, and less likely to irritate tender gums as a result. Be sure not to use a straw but instead drink directly from the glass.
4. Eat: Scrambled Eggs – As long as they aren’t too hot, scrambled eggs are another good pick following a tooth extraction. They’re gentle, high in protein and don’t require much effort in the way of chewing when eating them.
Foods to avoid
1. Avoid: Spicy and Acidic Foods – You may love adding a dab of hot sauce to the things you eat during the day, but after you have a tooth removed, the best thing to do is put the bottle down and play it “cool.” If you’ve ever felt the burn of a hot pepper, you know that spicy foods can irritate your gums and mouth. And because outside irritation is the last thing you want while your mouth is healing, it’s best to wait until you get the all-clear before enjoying your favorite spices. Like spicy foods, acidic foods can irritate your mouth after tooth extraction and should be avoided just the same.
2. Avoid: Crunchy Snacks – During the first week after your tooth is pulled, steer clear of crunchy snacks. Not only are they difficult to eat when your mouth is sore, but there’s also the chance parts break off and bits and will get stuck in the removed tooth’s socket. Stick to soft foods until we’ve cleared you at a follow-up visit or have past the days we have recommended you wait.
As always, if you have any questions after a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact us at 440-354-0705. We’re here to help guide you through a quick and healthy recovery. If you need to make an appointment please call us or make one online.
Dr. Patrick Soria
