Tooth Extraction

Eating After a Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too decayed to be repaired. After the tooth has been extracted, it is important to allow the area to heal completely. Eating the right foods can help speed healing and avoid any complications. Read on to discover the right foods for you.

Eating

The reason that dentists tell patients to avoid hard foods after a tooth extraction is because hard foods can dislodge the blood clot and cause more pain in the area. If the blood clot is dislodged, raw nerve endings will be exposed in the area. This can limit the amount of blood flowing to the area.

When eating foods that require some chewing, such as mashed potatoes, patients should try to chew on the side opposite from where the tooth was extracted.

Foods to eat after a tooth extraction

Patients should stick with soft foods after a tooth extraction. Depending on where the tooth was located and the condition of the surrounding teeth, the dentist will advise a patient on how long to eat soft foods. A few foods that patients can eat after tooth extractions include:

  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Milkshakes
  • Applesauce
  • Pureed vegetables
  • Cool to lukewarm soup

Because the cold can help minimize swelling, ice cream is a good choice. Patients should choose an ice cream without any nuts or other hard foods.

After a few days, patients can move on to foods that require a bit more chewing, such as scrambled eggs. Eggs are high in protein and can help the patient feel less hungry after a few days of yogurt and applesauce. It is important to make sure the eggs are not too hot.

Foods to avoid after a tooth extraction

Staying away from hard foods will allow the surgical site to heal. It is important for patients to avoid eating foods that could become lodged in the socket. This includes small foods such as seeds or pieces of hard food. Patients should also avoid using a straw after a tooth extraction. This includes both fast-food drinks with straws and water bottles with straws.

After the surgery, there may still be a hole where the tooth was. If it is being left alone, it will heal in a few months. While it is healing or before a replacement tooth is placed, patients should try to avoid lodging food in the area for a long time. This can cause bacteria to build up. Eating on the opposite side of the mouth and rinsing the mouth after every meal and snack can help keep food from lodging in this area.

Visit a dentist today

While a tooth extraction is never fun, it is important to extract teeth that are decayed. If these teeth are left in the mouth, the teeth can cause some serious health problems for the patient. Eating the right foods can help promote healing. Patients who have questions about eating after their tooth extraction should contact a dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carpinteriasmiles.com or call Carpinteria Smiles at (805) 920-2141 for an appointment in our Carpinteria office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Carpinteria, CA.

Related Posts

When Tooth Extraction Or Root Canal Therapy Is Recommended

A dentist might recommend root canal therapy or tooth extraction to treat an infected or badly damaged tooth. Factors like the severity of the infection and the tooth's location often determine how the dentist approaches treating a patient.Tooth extraction is the cheaper alternative, but it can end up costing more than root canal therapy if…

How To Know Whether To Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

Wisdom teeth are late-stage molars. When they emerge from the gums and squeeze by your existing teeth, in a process known as impaction, they may cause a lot of pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause jaw alignment issues, sinus issues, recurrent cavities, and cysts.Some individuals are lucky enough to avoid such wisdom tooth symptoms…

When Denture Repair May Require You To Send Them To A Lab

You may have to send your dentures to a laboratory during a denture repair depending on the type and severity of the concern that is being addressed. This review discusses when a denture repair requires a laboratory’s assistance in ensuring the quality of the dentures at the completion of the denture repair.A minor denture repair…

A Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Self-Esteem

A smile makeover often leads to increased self-esteem and confidence. Having a radiant, healthy smile also gives you increased success during professional and personal interactions. People with great smiles are often perceived as attractive and successful, while those with unsightly smiles are sometimes viewed as unclean and unsuccessful. A smile makeover is a combination of…

Carpinteria Smiles

Share
Published by
Carpinteria Smiles

Recent Posts

When Denture Repair May Require You to Send Them to a Lab

You may have to send your dentures to a laboratory during a denture repair depending…

5 days ago

A Smile Makeover Can Improve Your Self-Esteem

Each smile makeover is customized to ensure it addresses all of the issues the patient…

1 month ago

When a Dental Crown Is Necessary

A dental crown is one of the most common ways to have a tooth restored.

2 months ago

How To Know Whether To Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

Contrary to common opinion, wisdom tooth extraction is not always required.

3 months ago

Can Multiple Teeth Need a Root Canal?

Dentists recommend root canal treatment for damaged, diseased, or infected teeth.

4 months ago

When Are Dentures Recommended?

If you want to find out when you should get dentures, here are the details.

5 months ago