Eating After a Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction Emerson, NJ

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.emersondental.com or call Emerson Dental Associates at (201) 620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.

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

Recent Posts

Tooth Extraction FAQ: At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

No one looks forward to tooth extraction, but sometimes it is necessary for a person's oral health. This is often the case with the last adult teeth to erupt, the wisdom teeth. Many people need to have one or more of their wisdom teeth removed because they are not coming in right, there is not…

When And Why They Are Tooth Extractions Needed?

You may need tooth extraction at some point in your life. Your general dentist will examine your teeth first. This will help determine which tooth needs extraction. Understanding the time and reason for this dental procedure can help you prepare for your next appointment. Here are the details about when and why tooth extraction must…

Does A Tooth Extraction Hurt?

We all have painful memories of some self-managed tooth extraction we performed on one of our baby teeth. Perhaps it was the old "tie your tooth to a doorknob and wait for someone to open the door" technique that scarred you or losing a milk tooth after biting on something hard.Fortunately, dentists have a lot…

At Some Point, We May Have To Remove Them

Call us for more details on wisdom teeth extractions and the overall procedure.Among the milestones you reach in life from your first steps to learning to drive, wisdom teeth extractions may be necessary. While the process may not sound appealing, it can provide immediate relief and prevent further oral health issues. We can help to…

Recent Posts

Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces

4 Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces

Clear braces are transparent, which allows for a more discreet treatment process than with traditional metal braces. Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what they are exactly and who they are the most ideal for before deciding whether treatment is right for you.The more informed you are…

When Denture Repair Is Needed

When Denture Repair Is Needed

Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your oral health, including any damage or wear that has occurred to the denture over time. If you notice that they are worn out or cracked, it's time to head to the dentist and get them fixed up so that you…