What Kind of Foods Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?

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Tooth extraction may be necessary if you are experiencing dental pain. Whether your teeth are overcrowded or a wisdom tooth is impacting the rest of the mouth, you may need to remove the tooth to protect the rest. The team at Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA can help you with the tooth extraction process.

One question we get a lot surrounding a tooth extraction is about the different foods patients can eat after the procedure. The foods you can consume will vary over how much time has passed since the work.

The reason for restricting your diet is that the extraction site needs to clot to prevent bleeding, which prevents the area from becoming infected. The blood clot formed in the area requires protection to keep your healing time down.

During the first day

You can consume liquids and soft foods during the first day after the procedure. Be sure the foods aren’t acidic or too hot, so you don’t irritate the clot site. Avoid using any straws, as the suction you produce might dislodge the clot. You may use ice over the outside area around the mouth, but avoid putting it directly on the extraction site.

During the first week

You can move on to more foods as the recovery progresses, although you should still opt for soft and lukewarm when possible. Mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and pancakes are among the most common foods to enjoy at this point. Chew the foods on the opposite end of the mouth away from the extraction site to reduce the risk of harm.

After the first week

It should be easier for you to get back to some hard foods about a week after the extraction. You could eat foods that are a little more acidic and warmer at this point. Make sure you’re cautious when chewing and that you continue to chew on the opposite end of the mouth. This effort is about keeping you safe while chewing and eating more foods.

What you should avoid after a tooth extraction

The dental team at Byers Station Dental want you to avoid certain foods during the first week after the procedure. Avoid foods that are too hot, hard, or otherwise crunchy or brittle enough to where bits and particles could enter the infection site.

You must also avoid alcohol consumption while consuming medications. You may require these medications to resolve any pains from the extraction, although how much you will require will vary by situation. The effects of the medication could be compounded if you consume alcohol.

When you fully recover from a tooth extraction

You should be fully recovered from the extraction about 2 – 3 weeks after the procedure. It should be fine to return to a regular diet here, but be sure you are careful around the extraction site.

Let Byers Station Dental help you with all your dental health needs

The team at Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA provide full-service solutions for people throughout Chester Springs, Exton, Lionville, Ludwigs Corner, and Eagle, PA. You can reach us for a consultation and analysis to see how we can serve your tooth extraction needs. Our mission is to provide compassionate dental care you can trust.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.