What to Eat After Your Tooth Extraction

We perform tooth extractions on a regular basis for those that are needing to have their wisdom teeth pulled.  This third set of molars can create a variety of problems since most people do not have enough room in their mouth for them.  If you have worn braces, wisdom teeth can move your teeth out of alignment.  If they grow in crooked, they can be uncomfortable.  If they are impacted, they will be difficult to clean.  Regardless of what challenges you are having, we can remove them by either pulling them out directly or performing oral surgery.  Both of which will be done under anesthesia so that you can remain comfortable the entire time.
After your tooth is extracted, your gums will be sensitive and your jaw and face will feel sore.  Simultaneously, you are likely to experience some swelling.  When you do, an ice pack and ibuprofen can be used to reduce the swelling and help you to feel more comfortable.  For the first few days, you will need to be careful with what you eat and avoid anything that is hard or crunchy and can scratch your gums.  This means no chips, crackers, toasted bread or anything that is hard and abrasive.  You will also want to stay clear of anything that is too difficult to chew, requiring significant force.
While you will need to adjust your diet, it is important that you continue to eat a healthy diet that is full of essential vitamins and minerals along with protein. This requires some creativity, but it is essential for giving your body the tools it needs to recover quickly.  Here are some foods that we suggest you try after having tooth extractions.

• Oatmeal.  You can eat oatmeal or cream of wheat after having oral surgery.  Use whole milk instead of water so that you receive more protein. 
• Eggs.  Scrambled and hard boiled eggs are good for you, easy to make and easy to chew.  They are incredibly soft and can be eaten throughout the day. 
• Smoothies.  Blending up your food into a delicious smoothie is an excellent way to get servings of your favorite fruits and vegetables.  Add in some protein powder and yogurt for a more balanced meal or snack. 
• Cauliflower.  This is a popular vegetarian alternative to meat.  Once cooked, cauliflower is very soft and it holds flavors well, making it perfect to sauté with your favorite spices. 
• Sweet Potatoes.  A superfood, sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to make. Bake it in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then eat it. They taste fabulous and are perfectly soft, making them easy to eat with a meal or as a snack.
• Tofu.  You can eat tofu with your dinner as a substitute for your standard meat dish. 
• Single snacks.  Since crackers and chips are off of the menu, buy single servings of pudding, applesauce, and yogurt to snack on.  
• Soup.  Throw your favorite veggies into a pot and make a homemade soup. You will get the nutrition that you need and the veggies will be soft enough not to irritate your gums.

After your tooth extractions, you will need to restrict your diet for a few days but once the swelling goes down, you should be able to resume your normal diet.  We will provide you with more detailed instructions when you come in for your appointment.

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