Your post-tooth extraction diet plays a big role in your recovery. As a dentist at Lakeside Dental, I’ve assisted countless amounts of patients with tooth extraction recovery. Allow me to share some useful information regarding nutrition following tooth extraction that will allow you to heal comfortably and within time.

The Diet After Tooth Extraction

Your diet has a direct impact on your healing after tooth extraction. Think of your mouth as a construction site – would you move heavy equipment over a site in repair? Likewise, so too should you treat your extraction site kindly so it can heal nicely.

The First 24 Hours: Walking Carefully

The most critical first day after your tooth is removed. It is when a blood clot forms in your socket – your own natural bandage. The clot protects the bone and nerves below as new tissue is forming.

I remember one patient who decided to celebrate having his wisdom tooth removed by eating spicy chicken wings later in the evening. Let’s just say that he was back in my chair the next morning with regrets! Your diet over the course of these few days can make or break your recovery process.

Soft Foods That Promote Healing After Tooth Extraction

Recovery-Dense Foods

Your body will heal out of its shock with proper eating, but little chewing has to occur. A few fantastic foods that will not disturb your extraction area are:

• Yogurt is now my first-line recommendation – it’s refreshing, calming, and full of protein and helpful bacteria. A lot of my patients inform me that they develop a new appreciation for smoothies post-surgery. 
• Fruits, vegetables, and protein powders blended in a blender offer total nutrition without chewing.
• Mashed potatoes are comfort food but not only – they’re perfect after a tooth extraction. They’re filling, easy to swallow, and can be augmented with butter or gravy for extra calories and flavor.
• Scrambled eggs are a wonderful choice, too. They’re tender, protein-rich, and easy to modify. One of my patients created what she called her “recovery menu” of different egg preparations per day of recovery.

Hydration Matters Too

Hydrating is needed after tooth extraction. But it’s not only what you ingest that counts, but also the manner in which you ingest it. Avoid straws altogether! The suction action will dislodge the blood clot and you’ll be left with a dry, painful socket syndrome.

Rather, take water, tea, or broths slowly from a spoon or a cup. Room temperature liquids are usually better than very hot or very cold liquids, which can be irritating to the painful extraction site.

Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

Preventing Dry Socket and Other Complications

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot over the socket is removed or dissolved prior to complete healing. It is extremely painful and requires additional treatment. Certain foods significantly increase this risk.

The Definite No-Go List

Crunchy snacks like chips, popcorn, and nuts are a no-brainer. Smallest fragments can easily become stuck in the extraction site. I once had a patient who couldn’t resist potato chips hours after surgery – a rough chip made its way where it shouldn’t.

Spicy and sour substances will irritate the wound and make you very uncomfortable. Your hot sauce, citrus, and tomato sauces fall into this category. Spare the salsa until you’re all healed!

Chewy and sticky items such as caramels or gummies are soft and fine to consume but are devious in the mouth and have a tendency to pull on the healing tissue or strip the clot.

Timeline: Returning to Normal Cuisine

Days 1-2: Liquid Diet Phase

Be on a strictly soft food diet that involves no chewing whatsoever. Think broths, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies (drunk with a spoon, not a straw!). Your extraction site is most susceptible now.

Days 3-7: Soft Food Progression

As you continue to heal, you may gradually begin to resume eating soft foods. Pasta, scrambled eggs, fish, and soft greens are great options. Just remember to chew on the side of the mouth opposite where the extraction took place.

Beyond Week One: Cautious Expansion

Most patients are returned to normal diet in 7-10 days. But remember, listen to your body. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s too early. No prize for running back to hard foods too soon!

When to Call Your Dentist 

If you are experiencing creeping pain, swelling, or bleeding more than 48 hours afterward, it is time to call Lakeside Dental. These are medical problems that need attention. Once again, we are here to guide you through your recovery process.

Visit Lakeside Dental, 369-377 Regional Rd 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1E7, or call us at 905-664-0808 for any recovery issues from a tooth extraction.