What Can I Eat After Tooth Extraction? 7 Tips from Kreativ Dental Albury

Have you just had a tooth extraction or found out you may need one?

Pulling a tooth is a brave step that can enhance your dental health in the long term — well done!

After the procedure, you may experience tenderness or pain, making chewing and eating challenging.

Some foods can help ease you through recovery, while others can irritate the area.

Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

Your diet during recovery should prioritise soft, easy-to-chew foods that provide essential nutrients without irritating the extraction site. Here’s a list of foods to eat after teeth removal to help guide you:

Soup

Soups are a fantastic option for the days following a tooth extraction. Choose pureed vegetable soups or broths, which are gentle on your teeth and gums and packed with nutrients.

Minimally, do not consume soups that contain large chunks of meat or vegetables that may cause the gums to feel sore or an extraction site to feel sensitive. Ensure your soup is lukewarm rather than hot to prevent discomfort or complications.

Applesauce

Applesauce is also very smooth and has the right temperature for anyone who has recently had a tooth pulled. Its soft texture and naturally sweet taste make it easy to enjoy without putting pressure on your teeth or gums.

Additionally, applesauce contains vitamins and antioxidants that support your body’s healing process. To avoid potential irritation, make sure it’s free from added sugar.

Yogurt

Yogurt is also good after a tooth extraction, provided it is consumed as part of a healthy breakfast or snack. Choose plain yogurt without pieces of fruit or granola.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. They are suitable for breakfast or dinner if you don’t want to hurt your teeth and gums after tooth extraction.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a comforting and filling option for breakfast during your recovery. Choose a smooth, creamy variety and ensure it’s lukewarm before eating to avoid irritating the gum tissue.

You can add a touch of honey or cinnamon for flavour, but avoid nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.

Mashed Potatoes

Only a few bites of mashed potatoes provide a lot of nutrients, which you may need if you struggle to eat after your dental procedure.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is delicious as a snack but can complement other meals.

Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

While there are plenty of foods that can help you recover, there are also some you should steer clear of to avoid complications:

• Crunchy or hard foods: Hard foods or sticky foods such as chips, nuts, fruits or vegetables may cause irritation on the extraction site and cause the blood clot to be displaced by forming a dry socket.
• Sticky foods: Hard candies or caramel can also lodge between the teeth and gums, making the chances of developing irritation or infection more likely.
• Spicy foods: Spices can cause discomfort or irritation to the sensitive gum tissue.
• Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol because it can slow down the rate of healing and may provoke specific reactions with medicines that the dentist might prescribe for you.
• Carbonated beverages can cause discomfort and delay healing by irritating the extraction site.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

1. Stay Hydrated: Make sure to take a lot of liquids to avoid dehydration, but do not use a straw because it empties a clot.
2. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: Adhere to the aftercare advice provided by your dentist, including how to clean your mouth and manage discomfort.
3. Take it Easy: Refrain from vigorous ventures for at least one to two days after extraction.
4. Manage Discomfort: Use over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medicines as directed by your dentist to alleviate pain and swelling.
5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: After 24 hours, wash the extraction site using warm salt water and avoid using any aspiring or mouthwash. Avoid brushing directly over the site.
6. Be Patient: The recovery process also requires time; therefore, the body must be given adequate rest to regain its strength.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare in Albury

After learning the answers, you can ask, “What can I eat after extraction?”

At Kreativ Dental Albury, tooth extraction is a significant step toward improving oral health. We are always with you from your first consultation until after the procedure.

Following the proper dietary and aftercare practices can ensure a smooth recovery and return to enjoying life with a healthy, pain-free smile.

For more information, call your Albury dentist at (02) 6021 4171 or request an appointment online.

We are located at 525 Wilson St in Albury.