Tooth extraction feels exactly how it sounds. Extraction of a tooth is a long chain of events, during which you will have to deal with the extraction site for the next few weeks. This means taking care to brush and clean the area properly, avoid strenuous activities immediately after the extraction, and avoid putting excessive pressure on the area by sucking or smoking.
But the main purpose of our teeth and mouth is to help us consume our food. There are certain restrictions you have on what you can and cannot eat after a tooth extraction. We discuss these details in this article.
How to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
The way you eat is just as important as what you eat immediately after tooth extraction. It is best to use the opposite side of the mouth to chew and eat your food a few days after the shot. You may think that it would be better to use a straw since you will consume liquid food. However, avoid using a straw as suctioning can dislodge the blood clot and increase your recovery time.
What Can You Eat?
The only thing you can consume for the first 24 hours is liquid and soft foods such as mashed potatoes. Gradually, you can switch to normal food once you start to feel comfortable with your condition. Yogurt, pudding, applesauce, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, and broth-based soups (without large chunks of meat) are best for you. However, make sure you get them at room temperature and not too hot. You can also eat the ice cream without the crunchy or chewy pieces of sugar and avoid using ice cream cones.
What Should You Not Eat?
Completely avoid hard, crunchy and chewy foods for about a week after the shot. Even crunchy and granular foods are not a good option for a tooth extraction site, as they can destabilize the blood clot at the surgery site. You also won’t be able to chew tough meats, which means the only way to get your protein will be from dairy. Also, avoid consuming alcohol until the time you take strong pain medications.
Tooth extraction can take weeks to heal completely, even if all goes well. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a strict hygiene regimen and eat only what is suitable for the mouth during the recovery period. In the event of a problem or sudden pain, you should immediately return to soft foods and consult a dentist in a dental clinic.
