In the hours and days after a tooth extraction, your choices at mealtime are vital. Knowing what to eat and what to skip as your gums and jawbone heal goes a long way in ensuring a comfortable and complication-free recovery.
The best foods to eat after tooth extraction are soft and either cool, like yogurt, or, in the case of dishes like mashed potatoes and soup, lukewarm. Conversely, hard, crunchy, very hot, or sharp foods should be avoided so the developing blood clot can protect the healing site.
Why the Blood Clot Matters
After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket. This acts as a natural bandage for the bone and nerves underneath, providing protection and starting the healing process. If the clot is dislodged, an issue known as “dry socket” may arise, which is both potentially painful and slower in healing.
Soft Foods After Tooth Extraction
Immediately after an extraction, start with very basic cool and lukewarm foods. As the site heals and you feel comfortable, you can add more variety. Here are a few suggestions that are gentle on a healing extraction site:
- Yogurt and pudding
- Mashed potatoes
- Lukewarm soup
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce and smoothies eaten with a spoon
Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
Certain foods and habits, however, can have the opposite effect, irritating the site or disturbing the clot. Here are some to steer clear of for a few days:
- Hard, crunchy, and potentially sharp foods, like chips, nuts, or crackers, that can scrape the site
- Very hot or spicy foods and drinks
- Extremely sticky or chewy foods
- Alcohol
- Smoking or drinking through straws; the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot
Hydration, Hygiene, and Aftercare
During recovery, you should drink plenty of water. Again, however, we recommend sipping from a glass instead of a straw, since suction can dislodge the clot. Also, keeping your mouth healthy and clean is still a priority. To avoid disrupting your healing, initially brush the rest of your teeth gently while avoiding the extraction site. You can begin rinsing gently with warm salt water when your dentist says it is safe.
Of course, every extraction is different, and these are general rules. The most important guidance for ensuring a full and speedy recovery will be the personalized instructions from your dentist.
Mindful Tooth Extraction Aftercare in Bloomington, IN
If you’re in Bloomington and want to learn more about tooth extraction aftercare, contact Dr. Matthew Love and the caring, experienced team at Ellettsville Dental Center to schedule an appointment.