Eating After a Simple Extraction
After a tooth extraction, a wound is created. It takes time to heal. Before new tissue can form in the tooth socket, a clot must form. This needs proper care, and one of the things you need to focus on is a proper diet. This is especially important right after the procedure. What can you eat to ensure proper healing? How long should you stick to the diet?
Why is diet after tooth extraction so important?
After tooth extraction, the area is susceptible to infection. A soft diet, rich in ground foods like soup, pureed vegetables, or fruit smoothies, helps avoid mechanical irritation of the wound from hard food particles, which could lead to infection. Hard foods like nuts or chips can irritate the gums, which in turn can cause pain and delay the healing process.
After tooth extraction, the body needs adequate nutrients for rapid wound healing. A diet rich in protein, vitamins (especially vitamin C, which promotes tissue healing), minerals, and, above all, water, can accelerate wound healing.
A proper diet also has a significant impact on the condition of the wound itself. Consuming overly hot foods and drinks can easily dissolve the partially dried blood structure, causing it to fall out. The clot after a tooth extraction—because that's what we're talking about—is very delicate and must be handled with care.
What to eat after a tooth extraction?
To avoid irritation and worsening of the wound after tooth extraction, it's important to maintain a proper diet. After the procedure, it's worth reaching for:
- oatmeal;
- soups or yogurts;
- lightly scrambled eggs;
- fruit purees, such as applesauce;
- soft fruits and vegetables;
- soft-boiled eggs.
It's worth choosing foods rich in vitamin C, which supports collagen production, essential for new tissue formation. Foods should be eaten at room temperature. It's best to choose foods with a liquid consistency – chewing may be difficult and painful, especially in the first 24 hours after the procedure.
When can you eat your first meal after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, the patient must wait at least two hours before eating their first meal. In special cases, such as after a very difficult extraction, the specialist may recommend abstaining from eating for an extended period.
A clot should form in the wound within the first two hours. Eating during this time can cause the clot to fall out, which has serious consequences (primarily pain).
When can I eat normally again after a tooth extraction?
For the first 2-3 days after tooth extraction, you should follow a liquid or semi-liquid diet. You can return to your normal diet once the wound has substantially healed. This usually takes about 7 days.
The post-operative diet may change as the wound heals. After just three days, solid foods —preferably overcooked—such as rice or pasta can be introduced.
As the wound heals, you can diversify this diet with rice pudding, overcooked pasta, or cooked vegetables. Remember that the food should not be too hot, especially in the first few days after the procedure.
What to drink after a tooth extraction?
For the first two hours, you should completely abstain from drinking. Afterward, it's advisable to drink plenty of fluids. This helps prevent dehydration and promotes tissue regeneration. After the extraction, you should primarily drink cool water or other non-carbonated beverages—preferably those with low sugar content.
Drinks should be taken from a glass or bottle. Avoid drinking through a straw —although this may seem convenient, especially with significant swelling, it can easily damage the clot.
In Conclusion
Carbonated drinks, hot coffee and tea, solid foods, and drinking through a straw should be avoided after tooth extraction. Alcohol and smoking are also discouraged. It's best to choose safe products with a soft, liquid consistency. Creamy soups are excellent, as they are both nutritious and easy to consume. In specific cases, such as surgical wisdom tooth removal, recommendations may be more restrictive. Contact us today for more information or to make an appointment with our team to get started on renewing your smile and oral health!