Whether you’re suffering from gum disease or your teeth are crowded, decaying, or broken, dentists can recommend extraction for various conditions. But despite the reason for extraction, you need a proper diet to accelerate healing and prevent swelling, discomfort, and infection.
What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
Your diet doesn’t have to be boring because you had a dental procedure. You can still enjoy good food without hindering recovery or other aspects of your health. Here’s what to eat after tooth extraction.
Scrambled Eggs
While you can prepare eggs in many ways, scrambled eggs are soft and creamy for easier chewing and swallowing. Additionally, eggs are packed with the necessary nutrients to promote recovery. For instance, they contain protein for tissue repair, iron to boost immune function, and vitamin B12 to aid red blood cell regeneration and transport oxygen to the healing socket. This meal is also easy to play around with—you can add your preferred seasonings or adjust cooking times and temperatures for the perfect texture.
Soup and Broth
Soups and broths are easier to consume thanks to their liquid and semi-liquid consistency. If the soup is too thick, consider passing it through a strainer to prevent irritation. Soups are also comforting— the soothing effect of warm broth on your gums will help you feel better. When it comes to nutrition, soups and broths are packed with protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to support recovery. Soups also boost your fluid intake to promote hydration. Here are some soups and broths to try if you’re wondering what to eat after tooth extraction:
- Tomato soup
- Beef broth
- Pumpkin soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Potato soup
Since hot beverages can be irritating, make sure to eat your soup warm.
Yogurt
Yogurts are rich in protein, vitamins, and calcium to promote recovery while improving your overall health. They also contain a smooth, creamy consistency to soothe your mouth. What’s more, you get to choose between different flavors, like Greek yogurt or fruity alternatives such as strawberry, peach, lemon, and vanilla. However, be careful to avoid crunchy extras like fruit chunks, granola, and cookie crumbles that can stick in the socket and hurt your gums.
Smoothies
Smoothies help you keep up with your fruit and vegetable intake without having to chew. Likewise, you can try different ingredients according to your taste and nutrition requirements. For example, you could add a scoop of yogurt if you need more protein. However, make sure to drink your smoothie directly instead of using a straw. Otherwise, the suction can remove the protective blood clot, resulting in a dry socket.
What Foods Should You Avoid After Tooth Extraction?
Some foods delay recovery and irritate the affected area after tooth extraction. These include:
- Alcohol leaves a dry socket and impacts the effectiveness of pain medication.
- Candies, gum, meat, nuts, chips, and other chewy and crunchy foods can stick to the extraction site, increasing the risk of injury.
- Paprika, cayenne pepper, and other spicy foods can irritate extraction wounds and delay healing.
Consult your dentist
If you have doubts about what to eat after tooth extraction, always confirm with your dentist before adding something to your diet. We’re here to take the anxiety out of your dental procedures. Book an appointment today!