If you are having a tooth extracted you may be wondering what foods you will be able to eat following the procedure. Our Toronto dentists share some tips on what to eat, and what to avoid after your dental extraction surgery.

Having a Tooth Extracted

If you have damaged teeth that are threatening the health of your other healthy teeth, your dentist may recommend having them extracted. You will be advised to eat a healthful diet featuring soft foods while you heal.

Though your schedule may differ depending on your dentist’s recommendations and other factors, we’ve compiled a general timeline of what should be safe to eat at different stages of recovery – and provided some important facts about when you’ll be able to enjoy all the foods you love again.

Nutritious Foods Are Essential for Your Oral Health

While having a tooth extraction is a common procedure, maintaining a healthy diet of soft foods, following your dentist’s instructions and managing self-care are all critical to ensuring the recovery process goes smoothly.

You’ll want to do this to avoid complications or infections, which can result from bacteria or food particles becoming trapped in the extraction area.

What To Eat After Your Tooth Extraction

For 3 to 5 days

Generally, you’ll want to ensure you eat lots of soft, mushy food and ensure you get plenty of liquids for 3 to 5 days. This can include:

Smoothies
Apple sauce
Yogurt
Blended soups (easy to eat, hydrating and rich in nutrients)
Pudding
Broths (filled with minerals and essential vitamins to help you recover)
Pureed or mashed vegetables such as squash or carrots
Jell-O
Regular ice cream or banana ice cream
Seedless, pureed fruit
Potatoes (regular, mashed or sweet)

As you start to heal, gradually integrate more regular, semi-soft foods such as:

Instant oatmeal
Toast
Scrambled eggs
Macaroni and cheese

Allow any hot food to cool before eating, and keep the area clean according to your dentist’s recommendations. Also, remember to take your medications as prescribed.

Foods To Avoid After Your Tooth Extraction Surgery

For 1 Week or More

For those first few days, the extraction site will be vulnerable to infection. You’ll want to avoid foods that may inflame the area or lead to complications, such as:

Grains (quinoa, rice)
Alcohol
Seeds
Crunchy, tough or crumbly foods (hamburgers, jerky, popcorn, pizza, etc.)
Spicy or acidic foods (peppers, citrus juice)

For 2 to 4 Weeks

You may love these snack foods. However, you should avoid eating them until you’re fully recovered, as they may stick in the wound and disrupt healing.

Popcorn
Nuts
Chips

When To Resume Normal Eating Habits

Many patients find they can eat normal food again within a week of having teeth removed. Eating a diet full of delicious, healthy and soft foods in the days and weeks following a tooth extraction is imperative to your quick recovery.

As long as you consume the right foods – and avoid foods that may delay or hamper your recovery – you’ll feel more comfortable and help reduce your risk of infection.

Are you experiencing swelling or pain in your jaw, red or swollen gums, or bad breath? You may need a tooth extraction. Contact our Toronto dentists to book an appointment today.

What foods can I eat after having teeth removed?