In our first blog in this series, Tooth Extraction: Healing and Aftercare, we covered what you can expect post-tooth extraction. We discussed the stages of healing and things to watch out for, like dry socket and bone spicules.
A critical part of your recovery journey is nutrition. The right food choices post-extraction can significantly impact your comfort and the speed of your healing. To help you in this crucial phase, we’ve compiled a list of 50 soft and nutritious food options. These foods are easy on your healing mouth and packed with the necessary nutrients to support your overall health.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- General Guidelines for Post-Tooth Extraction Diet
- 50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
- Foley & Le Oral Surgery: Your Oral Surgeon in Boulder
General Guidelines for Post-Tooth Extraction Diet
The texture and temperature of the food you eat are just as important as the types of food you eat. Here is a list of foods to choose from and foods to avoid after a tooth extraction.
Foods to Choose
- Soft and easy to chew: Opt for foods that require minimal chewing and are gentle on the extraction site, like mashed vegetables and soft fruits.
- Cool or room temperature: Foods that are too hot can irritate the extraction site. Cool or room-temperature foods are more soothing.
- Nutrient-rich: Focus on foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein to aid in healing.
Foods to Avoid
- Crunchy foods: Avoid nuts, seeds, chips, and hard breads as they can irritate or get lodged in the extraction site.
- Acidic foods: Citrus fruits can cause discomfort and irritation, so it’s best to limit these.
- Spicy foods: These can irritate the extraction site and should be avoided in the early stages of healing.
- Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and should be avoided.
- Extremely hot foods and beverages: These can cause discomfort and may dislodge the blood clot.
- Sugary foods and beverages: While soft, they can increase the risk of tooth decay and the development of heavy plaque, especially if oral hygiene is challenging post-extraction.
50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
- Applesauce
- Baked apples
- Baked beans
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Baby food
- Broth-based soups
- Chia Pudding
- Cooked vegetables
- Cottage cheese
- Cream of wheat
- Creamed spinach
- Custard
- Egg salad
- Fish
- Frozen yogurt
- Greek yogurt
- Gnocchi
- Ground chicken
- Hummus
- Ice cream
- Jell-O
- Lentil soup
- Macaroni and cheese
- Mashed avocado
- Mashed bananas
- Mashed potatoes
- Mashed pumpkin
- Meatloaf
- Milkshakes
- Muffins
- Nut butters
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes
- Polenta
- Porridge
- Protein powder
- Pudding
- Pureed fruit
- Pureed soups
- Quinoa
- Refried beans
- Rice pudding
- Risotto
- Scrambled eggs
- Shepherds pie
- Smoothies
- Soft bread
- Soft cheese
- Soft pasta
- Tofu
Foley & Le Oral Surgery: Your Oral Surgeon in Boulder
As you navigate through your recovery, remember that the foods you choose play a significant role in your healing process. This list of options has been designed to maintain your comfort and nourishment to ensure a smooth recovery.
Stay tuned for our next blog in the series, “How to Relieve Pain After Tooth Extraction,” where we will discuss practical tips and techniques to help you manage your post-extraction experience with ease.
Trust us to guide you through a seamless recovery journey, setting the foundation for optimal oral health and a brighter, healthier smile. If you are searching for an oral surgeon in Boulder, call (303) 444-2255 or complete the online booking form.
