A tooth extraction is a procedure designed to address a severely damaged or diseased tooth. It’s extremely effective, but once the damaged tooth is removed, you’ll need to take some time to recover. Usually, it takes a week or so before things go back to normal. That said, a common question patients have is what foods can you eat after a tooth extraction?
For the first couple of days after your extraction, you should avoid solid foods at all costs. Try to focus on gentle, soft foods such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, and yogurt. After a few days, you can switch to semi-soft foods like eggs, oatmeal, and even some lean meats like fish and poultry. Within 2 weeks, you should be able to return to your usual diet, though caution is recommended if you plan on eating anything particularly crunchy or chewy.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, you’ll need to recover, and knowing what to expect can make this experience much less stressful.
Immediately after your procedure, you’ll likely feel numbness. This is entirely normal—it’s your anesthetic or numbing agent wearing off. Once this sensation fades, you may notice some discomfort or swelling; try to take any medication you’ve been provided to reduce these symptoms. Avoid rest and strenuous activities, as the increased blood flow can slow your recovery.
Over the next few days, these sensations should begin to fade, and you’ll soon be able to return to your regular activities. If you notice any bleeding or sudden swelling, try to slow down and take a rest; don’t overexert yourself. Using an ice pack for a few minutes when needed can help you find relief from your swelling.
After a week or so, you should start to feel significantly better. If your symptoms persist, contact your dentist as soon as you can to determine if you’re developing any complications. With proper care and support, you should be back to normal within 2 weeks or so.
The First 48 Hours
During the first 48 hours after your tooth extraction, it’s essential to stick with soft foods that won’t irritate the extraction site. Anything crunchy, sticky, or chewy is off the table for now—instead, try to stick with foods such as:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Smoothies (without seeds or solid pieces)
- Mashed potatoes
- Broth-based soups
- Pudding
- Ice cream (without toppings)
These goods are all gentle on your gums and can give you the necessary nutrition for a swift recovery. Remember to avoid anything too hot, as this increases swelling and disrupts the healing process.
Day 3-7
As you move past the first few days, you can introduce more variety into your diet. While soft foods should still make up the majority of your meals, you can also begin working in:
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft pasta
- Cottage cheese
- Soft-cooked vegetables
- Hummus
- Soft fish (like salmon)
- Avocado
These foods are easy to chew and swallow, making them ideal for this stage of your recovery. Be sure to continue avoiding hard, crunchy, and spicy foods, as well as anything with small seeds that could get lodged in the extraction site.
Days 7-14
By the end of the first week, you should start feeling much better. You’ll be able to bring more texture into your diet, and start eating foods such as:
- Soft fruits (like bananas and peaches)
- Ground meat
- Soft casseroles
- Cooked grains (like rice and quinoa)
- Pancakes
- Toast (without hard crusts)
- Soft sandwiches
- Soft, moist baked goods
These foods will help you transition back to your regular diet while still being gentle on your healing gums. Continue to avoid very hard or crunchy foods until your dentist gives you the all-clear.
Tips for Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
Diet plays a significant role in how well you recover from a tooth extraction. However, it’s just one piece of a larger puzzle. To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these general guidelines:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and aid the healing process. Avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
- Maintain your oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water several times a day. Avoid brushing the extraction site for the first 24 hours, but continue to brush and floss other areas of your mouth carefully.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It’s best to avoid these substances until you have fully healed.
Make sure you’re following any and all instructions provided by your dentist or surgeon, and take any recommended medication. If you ever notice anything unusual, return to your dentist to discuss solutions.
Visit Your Dentist for Personalized Care
A tooth extraction is a big step, but with the right approach, you can enjoy a swift and smooth recovery. If you notice anything unusual with your teeth—whether you’ve recently had an extraction or not— come talk to our team at Dentistry on Danforth. We’re here to help, so request an appointment with our team today.