If you find yourself in need of a tooth extraction, the last thing you want to worry about is what you can and cannot eat. Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons that you may need a tooth extraction even well into adulthood and making sure that you’re eating the right foods are a very important part of the recovery process.
If you are unsure of what you can and cannot eat after undergoing a tooth extraction, Advanced Dental Care of Indiana is here to help! Having a tooth extracted doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go without some of your favorite foods, but it is incredibly important to exercise caution. Here’s everything you need to know about foods to eat and foods to avoid after your tooth extraction.
The Importance of Eating the Right Foods After a Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is a major dental procedure. The removal of even a single tooth can lead to problems surrounding your ability to chew and possibly even cause other teeth to shift, and if the proper steps aren’t taken to avoid such complications, there can be a negative impact on your dental health. This makes eating the right foods after a tooth extraction integral to the recovery process.
While the recovery time for a tooth extraction typically isn’t very long, the choices that you make as far as food are important during this time. As you’ll see once we begin to discuss specifics, soft foods are by far the best thing to eat after a tooth extraction, and for good reason. By eating foods that require a lot of chewing after a tooth extraction, you will be putting yourself at risk for pain, bleeding, and irritation that can lead to an infection.
On the day after your tooth extraction, it is important to eat only soft foods and to reintroduce foods you would normally eat back into your diet over the course of the following days. It is important to take it slow, as demanding too much of your healing mouth can spell trouble.
Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Ice Cream
Remember when we said that a tooth extraction doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go without your favorite foods? Well, that goes without saying in the case of ice cream!
Unless you have particularly sensitive teeth, ice cream is one of the perfect foods to enjoy after a tooth extraction. It is both soft and cool, which makes it a perfect choice for a tender mouth, as it minimizes swelling and doesn’t require much chewing. It is highly recommended to choose a cup over a cone and to avoid crunchy toppings such as sprinkles, however.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to enjoy your favorite fruits after a tooth extraction. You can combine some of your favorite fruits such as strawberries, bananas, or berries with yogurt or a dairy alternative to blend the perfect smoothie. Adding yogurt to your smoothie also makes it less acidic, which is good because it will be less irritating to your healing gums.
It should be noted, however, that you should avoid drinking your smoothies with a straw while healing from a tooth extraction. Using a straw while recovering from a tooth extraction is not recommended, as it causes a sucking motion that can significantly increase your risk of dental complications.
Soup
Soups are another great food choice during your recovery time after a tooth extraction. Soups are easy to eat since soups require no chewing and are packed full of the nutrients that you need during your recovery time. It is important to remember that you will want to keep chewy ingredients to a minimum in your soup. Small pieces of cooked vegetables here and there should be fine, however.
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are a great way to feel like you’re still eating a substantial meal while being gentle on your teeth; however, be sure the eggs aren’t too hot so that you don’t irritate your healing teeth and gums.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are another soft food that won’t cause unnecessary stress on your teeth as you recover. In addition, mashed potatoes are also a pretty filling food so they won’t leave you feeling hungry.
Foods Not to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Crunchy Snacks
Crunchy snacks such as chips, pretzels, or popcorn are a no-go when it comes to recovering from a tooth extraction. These foods require a lot of chewing and may even break off and get stuck in the places in your mouth that are healing. This can result in irritation, pain, and infection a piece gets stuck and is left to rot. There is also a chance that the high sodium content found in these types of foods will cause unnecessary irritation to your healing gums.
Spicy/Acidic Foods
Believe it or not, spicy and acidic foods can be really bad for a mouth recovering from a tooth extraction procedure. After a tooth extraction, your teeth and gums are especially vulnerable to sensation, and spicy/acidic foods can cause a lot of pain and irritation. No matter how much you may enjoy these types of foods, recovering from a tooth extraction is the last time to eat them.
Most Meats
Meats require a lot of chewing, so when it comes to the recovery process you should avoid foods such as beef, poultry, pork, or fish. Even when cut into small pieces, meats still require a lot of chewing. While you may think that chopping up meat enough to swallow it whole may be the answer, you’re risking a serious choking hazard so it is best to wait until your mouth is fully recovered before indulging in your favorite meat dish.
Trust the Best Dentist in Indiana
If you feel you may be in need of a tooth extraction, feel free to give us a call. We are the most trusted dental professionals in Anderson, Indiana, and Fortville, Indiana to guide you along the process. We will be happy to answer any and all of your questions and get you started on a fast road to recovery!
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