Wondering which foods you can eat — and which you should avoid after you've had teeth removed? Our dentists in Thornhill can offer some advice on what to eat and what to stay away from after dental surgery.
Did you know that damaged teeth can threaten the health of your surrounding healthy teeth? If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend having it extracted. As you recover, your dentist will recommend dining on a healthful diet of mostly soft foods.
Your recovery timeline may vary depending on your dentist's recommendations and other factors. We've compiled a general timeline of food you should be safe to eat at different stages of recovery. We can also provide some facts on when you'll be able to savour your favourite foods again.
Why eat soft, healthy foods after teeth are extracted?
While a tooth extraction is a common procedure, following the instructions you'll receive from your dentist, maintaining a healthy diet of soft foods, and managing your self-care are key to ensuring you have a smooth recovery.
Looking after yourself will help you avoid infections or complications, which can be caused by food particles or bacteria becoming stuck in the extraction area.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
For 3 to 5 days
Generally, you’ll want to ensure you eat lots of soft, mushy food and ensure you get plenty of liquids for 3 to 5 days. This can include:
- Smoothies
- Apple sauce
- Yogurt
- Blended soups (easy to eat, hydrating and rich in nutrients)
- Pudding
- Broths (filled with minerals and essential vitamins to help you recover)
- Pureed or mashed vegetables such as squash or carrots
- Jell-O
- Regular ice cream or banana ice cream
- Seedless, pureed fruit
- Potatoes (regular, mashed or sweet)
As you start to heal, gradually integrate more regular, semi-soft foods such as:
- Instant oatmeal
- Toast
- Scrambled eggs
- Macaroni and cheese
Allow any hot food to cool before eating, and keep the area clean according to your dentist’s recommendations. Also, remember to take your medications as prescribed.
Which foods should I avoid?
For 1 Week or More
For those first few days, the extraction site will be vulnerable to infection. You’ll want to avoid foods that may inflame the area or lead to complications, such as:
- Grains (quinoa, rice)
- Alcohol
- Seeds
- Crunchy, tough or crumbly foods (hamburgers, jerky, popcorn, pizza, etc.)
- Spicy or acidic foods (peppers, citrus juice)
For 2 to 4 Weeks
You may love these snack foods. However, you should avoid eating them until you’re fully recovered, as they may stick in the wound and disrupt healing.
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Chips
When can I start eating normal food after a tooth extraction?
Within a week after having teeth removed, many patients find they're able to eat normal food again. Stocking up on healthy, soft and delicious foods in the days and weeks after a tooth extraction is imperative to your timely recovery.
As long as you avoid foods that can hamper or delay recovery – and consume the right ones – you'll feel more comfortable and help decrease your risk of infection.
