Know The Foods To Eat And Avoid After Tooth Extraction
Have you recently had a tooth extraction, or are on the verge of getting one? In that case, you may wonder about what to eat and avoid after getting a tooth removed. Undergoing a tooth extraction may seem challenging, but by following the right instructions, you can be on the road to recovery in no time. Since the extraction socket remains tender for a short duration after the procedure, it is helpful to modify your dietary practices for a few days to avoid complications. In this blog, we provide a list of items that you can safely eat and the ones you should avoid for a smooth recovery.
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What Is The Role Of Diet In Recovery After Tooth Extraction?
After tooth removal, a blood clot forms in the extraction wound that controls bleeding. This begins the process of healing. Initially, your dentist will place a cotton gauze to cover that area, but once you dispose of that, you can start with a soft and cold diet.
It is important to know which foods are safe to eat during the initial period of recovery after tooth extraction. Eating hot, spicy, hard, or sticky foods may irritate the wound, dislodge the blood clot, or delay the healing process. In certain cases, it may lead to the formation of a dry socket, which is a painful complication of tooth extraction.
For this reason, you should remain mindful of your dietary practices in the post-extraction period to achieve a healthy recovery.
What Foods Are Safe To Eat After Tooth Extraction?
During the first few hours after extraction, your dentist will recommend eating an ice cream or drinking a cold milkshake (without a straw). The cool temperature of these items helps in bleeding control and prevents swelling in that area.
Foods and drinks that are safe to eat during the first 24 hours after extraction include:
- Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pudding, applesauce, or smoothies.
- Cold liquids like milkshakes and unsweetened fruit juices. Avoid drinking them with a straw.
- Cold foods like ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Soups or clear broths that are easy to intake and provide nutrition. Consume them at a lukewarm temperature.
As the extraction wound heals, you will gradually feel more comfortable while eating food. You can slowly include other things in your diet, such as rice, cooked pasta, boiled vegetables, etc., ensuring that they do not cause pain or discomfort.
Within a week, you can shift to a normal diet, but it is still better to avoid problematic foods until complete recovery.
What Foods To Avoid After Tooth Extraction?
For the first 24 to 72 hours after extraction, you should avoid spicy, hot, crunchy, sticky, and acidic foods. Some examples include:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Candies
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
You should also avoid drinking water, juices, or milkshakes with a straw, as it may dislodge the blood clot and put extra strain on the extraction wound. Also, limit the consumption of alcohol and avoid smoking during the healing period.
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The Bottom Line
Tooth extraction may seem painful and scary, but with proper diet and oral care, you can speed up the recovery process. For further details on safe tooth extractions, contact Spring Dental Arts by calling at (281) 651-9494 today.