Having a tooth pulled is no fun. And after you get home, you have to be careful about what you eat. After tooth extraction, your aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself, and diet is a big part of that.
Following your dentist’s instructions for what to eat and drink in the days and weeks following your procedure will help you heal faster and avoid complications. But what can you eat? And what should you absolutely avoid?
This article will walk you through the best foods to eat (and the ones to steer clear of) after you’ve had a tooth pulled.
Why is your diet important after a tooth extraction?
What you eat after a tooth extraction plays a big role in your recovery. Your diet can help you avoid complications, support healing, and minimize irritation. One of the most common complications after a tooth extraction is something called “dry socket.”
After your dentist pulls a tooth, a blood clot forms in the empty socket. This clot protects the bone and nerves underneath. If the clot dislodges, it can cause a lot of pain and slow down the healing process. Certain foods can irritate the extraction site or even dislodge the blood clot.
That’s why dentists usually recommend a diet of soft foods during the first few days after a tooth extraction. Over time, you can gradually reintroduce other foods into your diet.
Best Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction: A Stage-by-Stage Guide
Navigating what to eat after a tooth extraction can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Think of it as a phased approach, starting with super soft foods and gradually reintroducing more texture as you heal.
Stage 1: Days 0-2 – The Initial Recovery Period
Right after your extraction, stick to liquids and very soft foods that require almost no chewing. This is crucial to avoid disturbing the blood clot that’s forming in the extraction site.
Good choices include:
- Liquid soups (like chicken noodle, tomato, or butternut squash—make sure they’re not too hot!)
- Protein shakes
- Plain or frozen yogurt
- Jell-O
- Ice cream (a classic for a reason!)
- Lukewarm bone broth
Avoid anything hot during this initial period, as the numbness from the anesthesia can make it hard to gauge temperature and you could burn yourself.
Stage 2: Days 2-5 – Gradual Reintroduction of Soft Foods
As you start feeling better, you can slowly introduce slightly more substantial soft foods that require a little more chewing.
Try these:
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal (instant oatmeal is a great option)
- Mashed potatoes (smooth and creamy)
- Soft cheeses like cottage cheese
- Avocados (naturally soft and full of nutrients)
Remember to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the extraction site to avoid irritating the area.
Stage 3: Day 5 Onward – Expanding Your Dietary Choices
After about five days, you can start experimenting with a wider variety of foods, as long as you’re feeling up to it.
The key here is to listen to your body. If something causes pain or discomfort, don’t force it. Everyone heals at their own pace, so be patient with yourself.
11 top foods to eat after tooth extraction
During the first few days after a tooth extraction, focus on eating soft foods that require minimal chewing. This gives your mouth a chance to heal without being disturbed.
Here are some excellent choices:
- Soup. Especially pureed soups, are nutrient-rich and easy to swallow.
- Soft scrambled eggs. A good source of protein to promote healing.
- Greek yogurt. High in protein and gut-friendly probiotics, which are especially helpful if you’re taking antibiotics.
- Oatmeal. Provides fiber and is gentle on the extraction site.
- Avocados. Full of healthy fats and easy to mash or blend.
- Bone broth. Nutritious and soothing, bone broth can help replenish electrolytes.
- Mashed potatoes. Soft and easily digestible, mashed potatoes are a comforting choice.
- Cottage cheese and other soft cheeses. A good source of protein and calcium.
- Smoothies. Can be packed with nutrients and easy to drink. Be sure to skip the straw, as the sucking motion could dislodge the blood clot.
- Pudding. Soft and easy to swallow; choose low-sugar options.
- Applesauce. Gentle on the stomach and provides some fiber; choose low-sugar options.
Remember to avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or require a lot of chewing during the initial healing phase. It’s also best to avoid acidic or spicy foods, as they can irritate the extraction site.
What to avoid after a tooth extraction
Certain foods and drinks can irritate the extraction site and/or dislodge the blood clot, which is essential for healing. Here’s what to avoid:
- Hot foods and drinks: Can increase blood flow and disrupt the clot.
- Spicy foods: Irritate the sensitive tissue.
- Coffee: The acidity can be irritating.
- Alcohol: Interferes with healing and can interact with pain medication.
- Grains/bread, especially with seeds: Seeds can get stuck in the socket.
- Most meat, especially tough cuts: Requires too much chewing.
- Citrus fruits: The acidity can be painful.
- Uncooked vegetables: Hard to chew.
- Chewy candy: Can pull out the blood clot.
- Crackers, chips, pretzels, hard toast: Can crumble and get stuck.
- Nuts and seeds: Easily trapped in the socket.
- Foods that require a lot of chewing: Puts unnecessary pressure on the extraction site.
Also, avoid using a straw to drink. The suction can dislodge the blood clot.
When can you start eating normally again?
You can usually go back to your regular diet within a week after your tooth extraction, but it depends on how complicated the procedure was and whether a blood clot formed properly.
After the first 48 to 72 hours (or whatever timeline your dentist recommends), slowly reintroduce foods back into your diet. Don’t rush it.
As always, it’s important to talk to your dentist about your specific case and get their personalized recommendations.
To Conclude
What you eat after a tooth extraction is essential for healing and avoiding complications. So, it’s important to follow your dentist’s dietary instructions.
Remember to start with soft foods, avoid anything that could irritate the extraction site, and slowly add other foods as you heal. A healthy diet, full of the right nutrients, can prevent problems like dry socket and accelerate healing.
Taking care of your mouth after a tooth extraction is a crucial part of your overall health. So, listen to your dentist, and prioritize your oral health during the recovery process.