Eating After a Simple Extraction
After getting a tooth extracted, the dentist will give you guidance on proper aftercare and things you should steer clear of as your wound is left to heal. The area itself is extremely sensitive during the first 24 to 48 hours post-operation, so it is crucial to understand what one can and can’t do during that time frame. Factors like the open wound and the local anesthesia wearing off all affect the way a person can go about their regular day.
The idea for the first two days of healing is to let a natural blood clot form in the wound to help protect the area and heal. This blood clot essentially keeps all the bad stuff from getting to those sensitive areas that were once protected by the tooth. If this blood clot is removed or forced out of place, it can cause extreme discomfort in that area and possible exposure to harmful bacteria.
What to eat after the extraction:
After the operation, it is advised that the patient avoid eating, spitting, sucking, and rinsing for the first few hours to help the blood clot form. Once formed, the mouth can still be tender and sensitive around the extraction area, so it’s best to avoid chewing altogether. This leaves the soft food diet, which involves consuming foods that have little to no chewing involved. Foods that are categorized under this are:
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Apple Sauce
- Yogurt
- Cooled oatmeal
What to avoid after extraction:
Due to the sensitivity of the gums and mouth post-operation, it’s wise to avoid foods that are extreme on the mouth. Foods that are too hot or cold, spicy, or acidic are all going to irritate the mouth and interrupt the healing process. Since the area is already sensitive, it’s best to avoid foods that:
- Acidic, like citrus fruits and liquids that have carbonation
- Spicy foods
- Crunchy food like chips, cereal, nuts, apples, or anything that needs excessive chewing
- Crumbly food that can easily get stuck in the wound
- Sticky foods like chewy candy or gum
- Overly chewy food like meats (jerky mostly)
- Hot/ Cold food like soups or ice cream
- Alcohol can cause blood to thin, which affects blood clot formation
After the first 48 hours:
At this point, the overall tenderness and sensitivity in the area may subside enough to start incorporating regularly eaten solid foods, but it should be done slowly and over time so that the mouth can get used to chewing again while the wound heals. It’s best to start with foods like:
- Soft breads
- Rice, noodles, and pasta are safer
- Some kinds of cheese or other softer dairy products
- Softer veggies leading up to harder ones over time
- Average temp foods
It’s best to keep testing what kinds of foods to eat over time and not start right away with anything that can be too abrasive on the healing area or the area around it. The hole itself is only protected by a blood clot that can be dislodged by eating the wrong thing, or sucking from a straw, or even rinsing your mouth too hard after you brush your teeth.
Related Article: What is a Simple Extraction?