How to Continue Eating Painlessly After Extracting a Tooth

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Having a tooth extracted can be a daunting experience. It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort and bleeding after the procedure. This is normal and usually nothing to worry about.

However, it is important to take care of your mouth after the procedure to ensure proper healing. This includes eating the right foods and also avoiding the wrong food. 

This guide will provide you with information on what to eat after having a tooth extracted, as well as some tips on how to take care of your mouth during the healing process.

Let’s start with the things you should avoid first. 

What Not to Eat After Extracting Your Tooth

Contrary to popular belief, you can eat after extracting a tooth without pain, but you’ve to be careful and take extra care in your food choices.

Here’s a list of foods to avoid after having a tooth pulled:

• Hard Foods: You might not be able to bite into an apple or eat popcorn after tooth extraction for a few days (generally two weeks). Hard foods can irritate the extraction site and cause bleeding. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes and soup.
• Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can cause the same irritation as hard foods. They can also cause pain if they come into contact with the extraction site.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can thin your blood and cause bleeding. It can also dehydrate you, which can make the healing process take longer.
• Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated drinks can also cause bleeding and irritation. They can increase the amount of swelling.
• Chewy Foods: Chewy foods can pull at the extraction site and cause bleeding. They can also be hard to chew if you’re still numb from the anesthesia.
• Hot Foods: Hot foods can cause pain if they encounter the extraction site. They can also increase swelling.
• Caffeine: Caffeine can also cause dehydration, which can make the healing process take longer.
• Acidic Foods: Acidic foods can irritate the extraction site and cause pain.
• Sugary Foods: Sugary foods can cause cavities in your other teeth. They can also lead to infection if they meet the extraction site.
• Tobacco: Tobacco can cause the extraction site to heal more slowly. It can also increase the risk of infection.

What to Eat After Extracting Your Tooth

Does it seem like you’re going to have to throw all your favorite foods away? Well, the thing is, you can have a good meal after your extraction without pain if you pick the right foods to eat. 

Here are some ways foods you can prepare to keep up the nutrition requirements while avoiding pain: 

1. 1. Fry Up an Egg

Eggs are a great source of protein and are easy to digest, especially when combined with a little salt and pepper. 

If you’re feeling pain from extracting your tooth, try this trick: take an egg and break it into small pieces; add some salt and pepper to taste. Eat them with a spoon or fork. This will provide some moisture for your mouth, which can help relieve the pain of extraction.

2. 2. Whip Up a Smoothie

Try drinking a protein-packed smoothie instead of eating solid food after extracting a tooth. Smoothies are easy to make, and they’re full of vitamins that can help you feel better! You can add some vegetables like cucumber or celery to make it even more nutritious.

3. 3. Try Some Yogurt

If you are looking for a tasty and nutritious option after having a tooth extracted, be sure to give yogurt a try! 

Yogurt is packed with calcium, which is important for dental health. The probiotics in yogurt can help to keep your gums healthy. Also, the cool temperature can help to soothe any discomfort you may be feeling.

4. 4. Chew on Some Bread

Bread is soft and easy to chew, so it won’t hurt your extraction site. Plus, the carbohydrates in bread will help to release pain-relieving endorphins. So go ahead and enjoy a piece of bread after your tooth extraction—it might just help you feel better!

5. 5. Eat Your Vegetables Steamed

Steamed vegetables are a great option as they are soft and easy to chew. Additionally, they are packed with nutrients that can help your body heal.

Some great vegetables to steam include broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and green beans. Simply add them to a steamer basket and cook until tender. You can then season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Your body will thank you for the nutrient-rich meal!

6. 6. Have a Bowl of Soup

Soup is a great source of protein, which is important for healing. It contains vitamins and minerals that can help your body recover from a tooth extraction. Soup is also easy to eat and digest, which is important when you have a sore mouth.

7. 7. Eat Your Cereal Dry

Dry cereal may seem like an odd choice, but it is actually a great food to eat after an extraction. The cereal will help keep your mouth clean and will also provide you with some much-needed nutrients.

8. 8. Boil and Mash Up Some Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are soft and easy to eat, and they don’t require a lot of chewing. This makes them a perfect food to eat after having a tooth pulled.

Another great thing about mashed potato balls is that they are packed with nutrients. Potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for healing. They also contain potassium, which can help to reduce swelling. Just be sure to avoid toppings that are hard to chew, like chunks of meat.

Tips for Eating After Extracting Your Tooth

Now that you know what you should and shouldn’t eat after your dental procedure, congratulations! You’re one step closer to a healthy, beautiful smile. 

But before you can enjoy your new smile, you must take care of your mouth and make sure it heals properly. Here are some tips for eating after extracting your tooth:

9. 1. Monitor Yourself Closely as You Start Eating

Complications from tooth extractions are rare, but they can occur. The most common complication is infection. Other possible complications include bleeding and nerve damage. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, and drainage from the extraction site. Call your dentist immediately if you notice any signs of infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.

10. 2. Use the Right Utensils

Soft-bristled toothbrushes and silicone-tipped utensils are gentle on your gums and won’t cause pain. Drinking from a straw can help avoid pain in your gums. It’s also a good way to get liquids into your system if you’re not up for eating solid food yet.

11. 3. Choose Smaller Chunks of Food

Sticking to softer, easier-to-eat foods won’t do any good if you take a big bite every time. You need to make sure to choose smaller chunks of food while you eat. This way, you don’t have to bite into anything too hard, and you can control how much you’re eating.

12. 4. Do Not Use Painkillers

In case you start feeling pain while you eat, it’s important to avoid using painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin after having a tooth pulled. These medications can increase your risk of developing a dry socket, a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction. If you’re in pain, ask your dentist about other options for pain relief.

13. 5. Be Mindful of Where You Chew

Be mindful of where you chew while eating after dental procedures. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where your extraction was. This will help minimize any pain or discomfort.

14. 6. Be Gentle When You Rinse Your Mouth

You need to be gentle when rinsing your mouth. You don’t want to dislodge the blood clot forming in the socket. To rinse, use a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in it. Swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this several times.

You can also use a commercial mouthwash but avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.

Conclusion

In summary, after a tooth extraction, it is important to eat the right foods to keep the extraction site clean, promote healing, and avoid pain. Eating soft, easy-to-chew foods will do just that. Some good options include soup, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and pudding. 

Besides, you should avoid hard, crunchy foods that irritate the extraction site, such as cookies. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinking alcohol or tobacco.

With a little care, you can enjoy a healthy, nutritious diet after tooth extraction. If you need further advice, you can check out this dentist who does teeth whitening, Invisalign, and dental implants Las Vegas.

FAQs 

15. 1. When can I start eating normally after tooth extraction?

A. After having a tooth extracted, it is important to wait until the anesthesia has worn off before eating. This is to ensure that you do not bite your cheek, tongue, or lip while the area is still numb. Once the numbness has dissipated, you can resume eating your normal diet. It may take up to two weeks before you heal completely. 

16. 16.2. Can I drink dairy after tooth extraction?

A. Yes, you can drink dairy after tooth extraction, but avoid drinking it through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are all excellent choices after tooth extraction. Just be sure to eat them in moderation and chew slowly to avoid irritating the extraction site.

17. 17.3. How can I make my tooth extraction heal faster?

A. You can do a few things to make your tooth extraction heal faster. Take any over-the-counter pain medication prescribed by the dentist to help with any discomfort. Try to keep your head elevated and rest as much as possible to help your body heal. Also, besides eating habits, maintain good oral hygiene to heal faster.