What to Eat After a Tooth Extraction: 2024 Guide

After a tooth extraction, adapting your diet is crucial for both nourishment and the healing process. The removal of a tooth can leave your mouth sensitive, which necessitates a softer diet to avoid aggravation and support recovery. 

This change doesn't mean you'll be missing out on essential nutrients; it's all about choosing the right foods that are gentle yet nutritious. I’ve consulted with our registered nutritionist for guidance on what are the most nutritious foods to support your recovery.

You might feel limited by what seems like a restrictive diet initially, but there’s still lots to enjoy with the proper preparation. While crunchy, hard, or sticky foods are off the table for now, a world of smoothies, soups, and other comforting meals awaits.

Why Focus on Nutrition After Tooth Extraction?

Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

Dairy-Based Foods: For Protein and Calcium

These foods are soft and easy to swallow without much chewing. They’re also rich in protein¹ and calcium², which are essential for healing and maintaining bone health. The cold temperature of ice cream and gelato can help soothe the extraction site and reduce swelling.

Here are a few ideas of dairy foods you can eat after tooth extraction:

1. Greek yogurt 

2. Cottage cheese

3. Soft cheeses

4. Rice pudding

5. Custard

6. Ice cream

7. Gelato

8. Milkshake

Protein-Rich Foods: For Tissue Repair and Recovery

Benefits: Protein is vital for tissue repair and recovery³. These protein-rich foods are soft and easy to chew, reducing the risk of damaging the extraction site. They also provide essential amino acids that support the body's healing processes⁴. Salmon, in particular, provides healthy fats that can help with inflammation.

Here are some protein-rich foods to eat after tooth extraction:

1. Scrambled eggs

2. Poached eggs

3. Silken tofu

4. Nut butter (smooth)

5. Hummus

6. Salmon

7. Steamed fish

8. Protein shakes

Fruit and Fruit-Based Foods: Naturally Soft and Contain Vitamins

These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that aid in recovery⁵. They’re naturally soft and can be consumed without much chewing. Additionally, they provide hydration, which is crucial for the healing process.

Pineapple is an excellent choice after tooth extraction, primarily due to its bromelain content. Bromelain is an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties⁶, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing in the mouth. 

Here is a list of other fruits you can enjoy after tooth extraction:

1. Pineapple

2. Applesauce

3. Fruit puree

4. Canned fruit (in juice)

5. Bananas

6. Avocado

7. Fruit sorbet

Grain-Based Foods: Cook Well to Soften Texture

These foods are gentle on the extraction site due to their soft texture. They provide carbohydrates for energy, which is important for recovery⁷. Whole grains, like well-cooked quinoa and oatmeal, also offer fiber, which supports digestive health⁸.

Below is a list of some grain-based dishes suitable to eat after tooth extraction:

1. Oatmeal

2. Cream of Wheat

3. Porridge

4. Quinoa 

5. Pasta and noodles

6. Risotto

7. Soft bread soaked in soup or milk

8. Creamy polenta

9. Macaroni and cheese

Soft Veggies and Legumes: Make Sure You Mash Them!

These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support overall health and healing. They’re easy to mash and swallow, reducing the risk of irritation at the extraction site.

Below are some ideas for legumes and soft veggies you can try.

1. Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes

2. Soft-cooked vegetables (e.g., carrots, squash)

3. Mashed sweet potatoes

4. Mashed cauliflower

5. Pureed spinach

6. Pureed beans

7. Soft-cooked lentils

Soups and Liquid-Based Foods: Super Easy to Swallow

Benefits: These foods are easy to consume without much chewing. They provide hydration and nutrients that are essential for recovery. Blended soups and smoothies can be packed with vegetables, fruits, and protein sources, offering a balanced intake of nutrients⁹.

As well as soup, there are other liquid-based foods you can enjoy after tooth extraction.

1. Smoothies

2. Blended soups and broths

3. Smoothie bowls

4. Crab or shrimp bisque

5. Gravy

6. Gazpacho/cold soup

7. Nicecream (blended frozen fruit)

Desserts and Treats: Best Eaten in Moderation

These foods are soft and easy to swallow, making them ideal for a sore mouth. They provide a comforting and enjoyable option during the recovery period when eaten in moderation. Tapioca pudding offers some nutritional benefits, such as fiber and omega-3 fatty acids¹⁰.

Some other commonly enjoyed desserts that are safe to eat after tooth extraction are:

1. Jell-O

2. Tapioca pudding

3. Popsicles

4. Mousse

What Nutrients Do You Need After Tooth Extraction?

After a tooth extraction, ensuring you receive the right nutrients is vital for a smooth and swift recovery. While your diet might temporarily be limited to softer foods, it's important to maintain a balanced intake of essential nutrients that aid in healing¹¹. 

Considering a multivitamin or specific supplements can be beneficial when your regular diet is compromised. And don’t forget to drink lots of water. Water helps to cleanse the extraction site, minimizes the risk of infection, and supports the efficient delivery of nutrients throughout your body. 

What Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

In the first 24-48 hours after a tooth extraction, it's crucial to avoid certain foods to prevent infection and complications such as dry socket. During this period, the extraction site is most vulnerable, and the blood clot that forms is essential for healing.

Cooking Tips for Making Soft Foods 

Here are some practical cooking tips to help make foods softer and more palatable following a tooth extraction:

• Blending🥤: Ideal for creating smooth soups and creamy smoothies. This method ensures that you can still enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables in a form that's gentle on your mouth.

• Mashing🍌: Works well for both vegetables and fruits. Mashing cooked potatoes, carrots, or ripe bananas can provide you with nutrient-rich meals without extensive chewing.

• Boiling🍝: Soften foods like pasta to a level where they can easily be mashed with a fork. This makes pasta dishes easier to consume and digest.

• Slow cooking🥩: A great way to tenderize meats and integrate flavors gently. It's a hands-free cooking method, allowing you to rest while your meal is prepared.

• Soak in broth🍲: Softening bread or grains by soaking them in broth makes them easier to chew and enhances their nutritional value and flavor.

Meal Plan Ideas 🍴

Meal planning is crucial, especially after a tooth extraction, to ensure that your diet remains balanced, nutritious, and enjoyable while you heal. By thoughtfully planning your meals, you can incorporate a variety of soft, healing foods that are easy on your mouth but still delight your taste buds.

Best Hygiene Guidelines 🧼

Maintaining excellent hygiene is essential after a tooth extraction to prevent infection and promote healing.

Always ensure your hands and all surfaces are clean before preparing food. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to your food, which is particularly important when your immune system is focused on healing your extraction site.

Follow any instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon¹⁷. These professionals give specific advice tailored to your condition and the nature of your dental procedure.

Mouth Care Post-Surgery

🪥 Avoid brushing the extraction site: Brush your teeth as usual but steer clear of the extraction site to prevent irritation.

☕ Avoid mouthwashes and hot food/beverages for 24 hours: Hot substances can increase swelling and cause discomfort, while commercial mouthwashes may be too harsh on the wound in the initial healing phase.

🧂Use gentle salt water mouthwash after 24 hours: After a day has passed, gently rinse your mouth with salt water a few times a day, especially after eating, to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.

Tooth Extraction: Best Practices

After a tooth extraction, adopting the best practices is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize discomfort. Here’s how you can effectively manage the postoperative period.

• Use ice packs and pain relief: Applying ice packs to the face near the extraction site can significantly reduce swelling and numb the pain. Over-the-counter pain relief medications can also be used as directed by your healthcare provider to manage discomfort.

• Elevate the head: When resting, keep your head elevated with pillows. This position helps reduce swelling and prevents prolonged bleeding.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and opt for lukewarm herbal teas. Staying hydrated is essential for recovery, but make sure beverages are not too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can irritate the extraction site.

• Prepare soft snack options: Have soft snacks like yogurt, pudding, applesauce, or protein shakes ready. These are easy on your mouth and can be nutritious options to include in your diet during recovery.

• Relax and give yourself time to recover: Recovery should be your top priority. Avoid strenuous activities and allow your body to rest, which is crucial for speedy healing.

• Attend follow-up appointments: Keep all follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon. These visits are important to monitor your healing and address any complications early.

• Eat small meals more frequently: Instead of 3 large meals, eat smaller, more frequent meals. This approach can be gentler on your body, especially when your mouth is healing.

What Not to Do After Tooth Extraction 🚫

To ensure your healing process after a tooth extraction is as smooth and swift as possible, it's crucial to avoid certain actions that can disrupt recovery. Here are key things to steer clear of:

🚭Don’t smoke or use tobacco products: Smoking can impede your healing process and increase the risk of complications such as infection or dry socket.

🥤Don’t use a straw: Using a straw can create suction that might dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site, delaying healing and causing pain.

💪Don’t engage in physical or strenuous activity: Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise as it can increase blood pressure, potentially causing bleeding at the extraction site.

💊Don’t take aspirin: Aspirin can thin your blood and increase bleeding¹⁸. Opt for other pain relief medications as recommended by your healthcare provider.

🔥Don’t eat or drink hot foods: Hot substances can irritate the extraction site. Stick to cool or room-temperature foods and beverages.

☕Don’t drink caffeinated beverages in the first 48 hours: Caffeine can increase blood pressure and may lead to bleeding¹⁹. It can also disrupt your sleep, which is essential for recovery.

👉Don’t touch the extraction wound: Keep your fingers and tongue away from the extraction site to prevent irritation and reduce the risk of introducing bacteria.

🤕Don’t eat hard foods if there’s pain: If you experience pain, your body is telling you to avoid hard or crunchy foods. Listen to your body and continue with soft foods until healing progresses.

If you notice that pain or swelling worsens, or if you develop a raised temperature, it’s crucial to contact your dentist immediately. These symptoms could indicate an infection or other complications that need prompt attention. 

FAQ

How soon after tooth extraction can I eat?

You can eat about an hour after tooth extraction, once the numbness wears off. Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt or applesauce to avoid disturbing the clot.

What foods help heal after tooth extraction?

Foods rich in protein, vitamins C and D, and calcium aid healing. Opt for smoothies, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes for beneficial nutrients.

What to make for dinner after tooth extraction?

For dinner, prepare soft, nourishing meals such as cream soups, mashed vegetables, or soft fish. Ensure the food is not too hot to prevent irritation. It’s a good idea to plan your meals so you get a nutritious and balanced diet.

Why can’t I eat pizza after tooth extraction?

Avoid pizza after tooth extraction because its chewy and crunchy texture can dislodge the blood clot, leading to increased pain or infection.

When can I start eating normally after tooth extraction?

You can start eating normally as soon as you feel comfortable, usually within a week, but start with less chewy and hard foods to ease the transition. Maintain good hygiene practices and follow practitioner guidelines regarding aftercare.

Can I brush my teeth after tooth extraction?

You can brush your teeth after tooth extraction, but avoid the surgery site for the first 24 hours to prevent disturbing the clot. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle motions.

References

1. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/what-should-you-eat/protein/

2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8970868/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8399682/

5. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamins/

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10974198/

7. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/

8. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/fiber/

9. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-eating-plate/

10. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3681034/

12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24796079/

13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257679/

14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6332599/

15. https://immunityageing.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1742-4933-6-9

16. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/

17. https://www.england.nhs.uk/mids-east/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/07/pt-info-leaflet-extractions.pdf

18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4973997/

19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8538539/