We’ll give you a full set of instructions on what to eat after teeth removal and which meals to avoid to promote healing. Let’s jump into the intricacies of the post-tooth extraction diet!

First 24 Hours: What to Eat and What to Avoid

In the first 24 hours, the treated site is sensitive, so choose tooth extraction foods that require no chewing.

Recommended Soft Foods

Since the soreness has to go off, soft foods after tooth extraction are a must. Take care for these meals to be room temperature and not acidic or spicy. Hot foods can promote blood flow, and your wound can start to bleed again. 

Your go-to menu should include:

• scrambled eggs; 
• mashed potato;
• smoothies; 
• yogurt; 
• jello;
• milkshake;
• applesauce;
• lukewarm soups;
• pudding;
• oatmeal;
• well-cooked pasta, etc.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

We’ve already mentioned the foods you should exclude from your diet after tooth extraction: hot, spicy, and acidic. These meals can cause discomfort and exacerbate the painful sensations.

Keep your hands off anything crunchy or hard — crunchy snacks, nuts, or fruit bits may worsen soreness, and food particles can get stuck in the extraction site.

Don’t consume alcohol after oral surgery as it may negatively interact with the prescribed medication. Besides, alcohol may open the door to infections.

Avoid using a straw during the first two days after tooth extraction. This can lead to a painful complication called a “dry socket.” 

Here’s a short list of the “no” drinks and foods after tooth extraction:

• extra hot or cold foods;
• citrus fruits; 
• fizzy beverages;
• chilies or curry;
• corn chips; 
• apples;
• seeds and nuts;
• biscuits;
• toffee or chewing gum, etc.

5 Best Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction for Faster Healing 

You can speed up recovery and promote healing after tooth extraction by eating these soft and nutritious foods: 

1. Smoothies 

Smoothies are packed with nutrients and easy to consume, making them indispensable for post-tooth extraction nourishment. Add Greek yogurt, spinach, and berries to promote the recovery process. Avoid using a straw!

2. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes boast a smooth and creamy texture and high nutritional value, so this dish is a perfect choice after a tooth extraction. Mashed potatoes are a rich source of potassium, vitamin C, and carbohydrates. They promote wound healing and sufficient energy rejuvenation.

3. Soup

A bowl of lukewarm soup is great for eating after tooth extraction: it’s soothing, nourishing, and provides essential hydration. Blended soup is best in the first 24 hours after the surgery as it lacks bits that can irritate the extraction site.

4. Scrambled Eggs

Soft and rich in protein, eggs contribute to tissue repair and cell regeneration. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals.

5. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has a creamy and cool texture, so it will be gentle on your gums. Probiotics and calcium in Greek yogurt are beneficial for a healthy gut, bones, and teeth.

Meal Plan Ideas for the First Few Days

During recovery from oral surgery, you might want to get plenty of rest, not to develop a substantial meal plan from scratch. These simple ideas of the foods to eat after dental extraction can lighten your burden.

Day 1

• Breakfast: Strawberry-banana smoothie; 
• Lunch: Cold avocado soup;
• Dinner: Blended broccoli soup;
• Snack: Applesauce.

Day 2

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs;
• Lunch: Lukewarm tomato soup;
• Dinner: Blended pumpkin soup;
• Snack: Greek yogurt.

Day 3

• Breakfast: Spinach and banana smoothie;
• Lunch: Cucumber soup;
• Dinner: Cream cheese pasta;
• Snack: Cottage cheese with honey.

Day 4

• Breakfast: Berry smoothie;
• Lunch: A sandwich with soft bread and peanut butter;
• Dinner: Mashed potato and steamed salmon;
• Snack: Pudding.

Day 5 

• Breakfast: Pancakes with Greek yogurt;
• Lunch: Hummus;
• Dinner: Potato chicken soup;
• Snack: A banana.

When Can You Return to a Normal Diet?

We recommend keeping away from hard and crunchy foods for at least 7 days after tooth extraction. In general, you might supplement your soft post-operational menu with tougher foods 5 days following dental surgery, but keep in mind to listen to your body. The recovery of each patient differs, so if something feels uncomfortable to eat, you’d better avoid it.

3 Tips to Promote Faster Healing Through Diet 

Many foods have proven their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Meals after tooth extraction directly impact your immune system and energy level, so it’s vital to enrich your diet with nutrient-dense foods.

1. Lean on leafy green vegetables. Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamin C and nutrients that cut off inflammation and enhance wound healing.
2. Get enough protein. Your body needs more protein after dental surgery. Luckily, you can eat eggs during the first 28 hours. One large egg contains around 0,2 ounces of highly absorbable protein. 
3. Choose high-carb foods. Nutritious carb foods are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin C and manganese. For instance, sweet potatoes can promote your immune response, so your body will recover faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Eating After Tooth Extraction

The most common mistake related to tooth extraction recovery is to neglect the question “What can I eat after getting a tooth pulled?” and omit the prior research. It’s crucial to be mindful of the foods to eat after tooth extraction as consuming the wrong foods can harm your oral health. Other typical mistakes include:

• Munching crunchy and hard foods. Nuts, chips, popcorn, and raw vegetables require excessive chewing, which is incompatible with post-operational recovery.
• Eating spicy or hot meals. These foods can cause inflammation in the vulnerable area.
• Drinking alcohol. Since alcohol interferes with blood clotting, it can enhance bleeding.
• Enjoying acidic foods. Citrus juices and fruits can irritate the affected site and lead to discomfort.

We recommend avoiding these foods until the wound site entirely heals.

Conscious Dietary Choices — Seamless Recovery

Taking care of your diet after tooth extraction is vital to ensure the fast and non-problematic healing process. Eating proper foods rich in protein, vitamin C, and calcium can help avoid potential complications: prolonged pain, infections, and dry sockets. Keep away from extra hot, cold, acidic, spicy, and hard meals and beverages to let the affected site smoothly heal. Don’t use a straw and postpone drinking alcohol till the better days. 

If you stick to your doctor’s recommendations, you can later celebrate a successful recovery with a glass of wine or champagne. Cheers to your oral health!

Post Tooth Extraction Diet: Most Common Questions

Additional Resources

Here’s a list of the “healing foods” that might speed up recovery after the surgery. Keep in mind that tooth extraction is very demanding. No spices, no acidic meals, no hard foods.