Cavities and periodontal disease lead millions of Americans to require tooth extraction each year. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, by the age of 17, a full 7% of Americans have lost a tooth due to decay. And it only increases from there. More than 25% of Americans aged 65-74 will have lost all of their teeth. So if you’re one of the millions of Americans facing a dental extraction, because you’re getting dental implants or dentures, it’s smart to know what you’ll be able to eat after the procedure. Read on for tips for caring for your mouth after having teeth pulled, including a list of items to have in your refrigerator, to eat after having a tooth extracted.
Eating and Drinking After Tooth Extraction
After you’ve had a tooth or multiple teeth pulled, you need to be very careful eating. Try to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the procedure took place. Although you should try to stick with soft foods for the first day if you do decide to eat food that isn’t soft, use caution to chew very slowly and gently. Likewise, although you may be tempted to drink beverages with a straw after having a tooth extracted, straws should be avoided. Straws create a sucking effect which can loosen healing gums. Sip from a cup or glass carefully.
Foods to Eat Immediately After Tooth Extraction
In general, very soft cool foods and liquids should be consumed after having one or more teeth pulled. Hot foods and beverages should be avoided immediately after tooth extraction as the heat may increase blood flow to the site that needs to heal. Foods like jello, yogurt, applesauce, pudding, cottage cheese, ice cream, smoothies, and even baby food are your safest bet immediately after your procedure.
In the coming days, feel free to begin eating warm, but not hot foods. Eggs, mashed potatoes, bananas, baked beans, pancakes, broth-based soups without large chunks of meat, bisques, and pureed soups are all fine to eat too, as long as they are not overly warm. Soft pasta is typically well-tolerated in the days immediately following your extraction. You may also roast vegetables such as squash until it is soft, and eat it once it’s cooled just a bit. Other options include avocados, soft cheeses, tofu, ramen, and humus.
After several days, you may graduate to a more normal diet. Just be careful of especially hard to chew meats, and stay away from super crunchy foods for a few extra days.
Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
Certain types of foods may bother you after you’ve had a tooth or multiple teeth extracted. Tomatoes and other highly acidic foods and beverages may cause a burning sensation near the wound, so you may want to avoid those for about a week. Laying off especially spicy food can also prevent a burning sensation near the healing wound.
Items with seeds can also pose problems following tooth extraction. Play it safe by avoiding bread topped with seeds, and whole peppercorns.
In the days after you’ve had teeth pulled, you should also avoid alcohol. Alcohol may interact with your medication, and slow your healing process.
Tooth Extractions, Dental Implants, and Dentures Near Cleveland
If you’re suffering from tooth pain, schedule an appointment online with Chagrin Falls Dental or by call 440-247-8641. At Chagrin Falls Dental, Dr. Jacob Bresciani and Dr. Russell Caputo provide complete restorative dentistry including tooth extractions, dentures, and dental implants.