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Just as in knowing what not to eat after you’ve had a tooth (or multiple teeth) pulled, being aware of the foods you can eat is vital for the healing process. You’ve undergone a major procedure and the extractions site is sensitive and in need of care. You’ve also had to restrict the foods you ate prior to the tooth extraction, and hours afterwards, you are seriously hungry. Yet, paying close attention to what you eat is crucial for the hole in your gums to heal properly. Here’s a look at foods that work well post-tooth extraction:
–Ice cream
-Puddings
-Cooked pasta
-Warm pureed soups
-Yogurt
-Mashed avocado
-Pureed anything – beans, vegetables, fruits
-Smoothies
-Applesauce
-Mashed potatoes with butter or melted cheese
The thing to remember after a tooth extraction is that you don’t want to eat any foods you have to chew. Depending on the severity of the procedure, you might find that you’ll be able to reintroduce your favorite foods gently. Everyone heals at a different pace. Let’s take a look at what foods can be perilous to the site of your extraction. Keep in mind that even some soft foods can be misconstrued as okay to eat.
What NOT to Eat After a Tooth Extraction
–Rice – The tiny grains might get lodged in the extracted site and cause an infection.
–Corn – Requires chewing and can interfere with the healing of the socket.
–Nuts – Too difficult to chew and clean after eating. The nut meats can get trapped between teeth and cause bacteria to grow.
–Crunchy vegetables or fruit – While these are nutritious and essential in your diet, it’s a good idea to wait until the extracted site has fully healed before reintroducing these foods. The jaw bone is still sore and the socket is still vulnerable.
–Foods that are too hot – There is a painful condition called ‘dry socket’ whereby the blood clot that’s needed to form, where the missing tooth was located, becomes liquid and doesn’t allow a scab to cover the gaping wound. If food is too hot, it elicits blood flow and creates the excruciatingly painful condition known as dry socket. Warm or cold foods are much more preferable.
–Alcohol – Since alcohol is basically sugar, and sugar is an inflammatory food for all areas of the body, imbibing alcohol will further prolong the healing process. Best to avoid until fully recovered. Also, the medications the dentist might prescribe after a tooth extraction can interfere with the consumption of alcohol.
These are but a few no-no’s to monitor when the hunger pangs kick in. Dr. Larson and his team at Larson Dental make your experience as comfortable as possible, as they understand the anxiety associated with having a tooth pulled. He will ensure your process is smooth and stress-free.
You’ll be confident that any dental implants or other treatments thereafter can proceed with the knowing your smile is ready and waiting. Taking care of an extracted tooth site with the proper foods is the first step in confident oral health. Contact their office to schedule an appointment today!