When patients undergo tooth extraction surgery, it can leave the mouth sore and tender. In addition, the gums will contain one or more open wounds. During the healing period, patients will need to avoid foods which are hot, cold, spicy, crunchy or sticky. It typically takes a couple of days for the wound to heal. Patients are encouraged to stick to a soft-food diet for the first day or two following the extraction. They can then slowly begin to incorporate other foods back into the diet.
Eating After a Tooth Extraction
Immediately following the extraction, patients should avoid eating for the first four hours. This gives the body time to form a blood clot, which is a critical part of the healing process. In addition, patients must avoid spitting, rinsing, and sucking right after the procedure as this can dislodge the blood clot required for healing.
Numbness
While the cheeks and tongue are still numb from the anesthetic, it is best not to eat. When the mouth is still numb, patients may accidentally bite the tongue or cheeks by mistake.
The mouth will be very tender for the first day or two. During this time, the extraction site will also be extremely sensitive. Discomfort is very common right after an extraction, and chewing can make the pain much worse.
Patients should avoid the following during the recovery period:
1. Hot and cold food or beverages
2. Acidic food and drinks
3. Spic, crunchy, or sticky foods
4. Food which contains small pieces such as nuts and seeds
5. Crumbly or chewy food
Soft-food Diet
A soft-food diet should be followed for the first day or two following the extraction. This includes food which requires little to no chewing and is mild in. the mouth. Soft foods may include scrambled eggs, smoothies, mashed potatoes and yogurt. Continue to avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Patients can then begin rinsing the mouth gently.
Oral Hygiene
Patients should avoid brushing their teeth for the first 24-hour period following the extraction. This gives the extraction site time to start healing. After waiting a day, patients can start brushing again, but should be extremely gentle.
Over the next few days, patients can begin reincorporating solid foods. While chewing will become easier, patients will still have a sore spot at the surgical site and should continue to avoid hot, spicy, crunchy and acidic foods which could damage the sensitive gums which are still healing. Foods which often work well to reincorporate into the diet during this period can include soft vegetables, soft bread, pasta, noodles, rice, and cheese. It is important to go slow, test foods, trust your body, and take your time during the recovery period.
Post-procedure Diet
One week following the extraction, it is difficult to say what patients should consume as it completely depends on the individual patient, recovery process, and complexity of the extraction. In most cases, patients should feel comfortable reincorporating a wider variety of food 5-7 days after the tooth was removed.
While the extraction site should be stable after a week, patients should go slow with introducing food as there is still a hole. Following the recommendations from the dentist will ensure a quick recovery and patients will be back to eating the foods they love in no time.