Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Tooth extractions aren’t fun, but they are sometimes necessary to protect your oral health.
One of the most important things you can do during your recovery is to follow a soft-food diet that supports healing and reduces the risk of complications.
What you eat in the days after your surgery can impact your recovery. Foods that are too hot, spicy or hard can disrupt the healing tooth socket and cause pain or even infection!
In this blog, we provide a list of soft food options and tips to make the days following surgery a breeze!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
For a successful recovery after a tooth extraction, you should follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your oral surgeon. Equally important is eating a soft food diet. Choose nutritious, soft foods that support your body’s healing processes.
💡Interesting Fact Did you know that tooth extraction has been a common dental procedure for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt? |
Why a Soft-Food Diet Is Key to Recovery
After a tooth extraction, your mouth is extra sensitive. Immediately after surgery, a blood clot starts to form in the healing socket. This blood clot protects the exposed nerves, so if it becomes dislodged, you can imagine how much pain you will feel!
Soft foods support the healing process by ensuring that blood clots remain in place, which is critical for proper healing.
Benefits of a Soft-Food Diet
- Protects the extraction wounds
- Eases the discomfort of chewing
- Supports a comfortable recovery
Soft and Smooth Foods for Healing
There are plenty of delicious options that can help you get through those first few days after surgery. Here is a list of soft, easy-to-eat foods that are gentle on your mouth and full of nutrition.
- Mashed potatoes: A classic comfort food with a smooth texture that will not irritate your sensitive mouth.
- Greek yogurt: A rich source of protein with a creamy texture that supports healing.
- Cottage cheese: Soft and easy to eat, cottage cheese is gentle on the extraction site and packed with protein.
- Cream of wheat: This smooth, warm dish is easy to swallow and provides nourishment without irritating your healing gums.
Cold and Comforting Foods
Cold foods can help soothe the extraction site, reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Ice cream: Choose regular ice cream or softer dairy-free versions like banana “ice cream”. Just remember to brush your teeth immediately after eating anything that is high in sugar!
- Cold soups: Pureed or blended soups, like pumpkin soup or tomato soup, are great choices. Make sure they are not too acidic or spicy.
- Smoothies: Blend soft fruits like bananas or avocados with Greek yogurt or protein powder for a nutritious, cold meal.
Nutritious Options for Healing
Eating protein-rich foods and healthy fats can speed up the recovery process and help your body repair itself.
- Bone broth: Rich in nutrients, bone broth supports tissue repair and keeps you hydrated.
- Soft vegetables: Puréed vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and pumpkin, offer vitamins and minerals essential for healing.
- Blended soups: Puréed vegetable soup or split pea soup can be a filling, nutritious choice.
Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
Some foods can increase the risk of dry socket, damage the extraction site, or cause unnecessary pain. Here are some foods that you should avoid:
- Crunchy foods: Chips, nuts, and crusty bread can irritate the surgical area or get lodged in the extraction wounds.
- Sticky foods: Chewy candies and sticky foods can disturb the healing process by putting strain on your mouth.
- Spicy foods: Spices can cause unnecessary irritation to the sensitive tissue around the extraction site.
- Acidic foods: Citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons, can lead to discomfort and slow healing.
- Hot foods: Extremely hot foods and liquids can dissolve blood clots, increasing the risk of a painful dry socket.
Tips for Eating After a Tooth Extraction
The way you eat can have a significant impact on your recovery. Here are some helpful tips to follow:
- Take your time: Eat slowly to avoid accidentally biting down too hard or too fast.
- Use the other side of your mouth: If possible, chew on the opposite side of the extraction site.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean and support healing.
- Do not use a straw: The suction from straws can dislodge blood clots, so it is best to sip drinks directly from the glass.
You can resume a regular diet after 3 or 4 days. Start incorporating harder foods slowly as you feel comfortable.
Legacy Oral Surgery: Your Guide to a Smooth Tooth Extraction Recovery
If you have any concerns about your upcoming tooth extraction or would like to learn more about the recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
For our Harrisonburg location, call (540) 437-1230. For our Staunton location, call (540) 213-8750. You may also complete the online inquiry form, and we will contact you to set up an appointment.