What can I eat after tooth removal?

If you are scheduled to have one or more teeth removed you may be wondering what foods you can eat after you’ve had teeth extracted? Our Smithers dentists provide some tips on what you can eat, and what you'll want to avoid.

If you have damaged teeth that are threatening the health of your other healthy teeth, your dentist may recommend having them extracted. You will be advised to eat a healthful diet featuring soft foods while you heal.

Though your schedule may differ depending on your dentist’s recommendations and other factors, we’ve compiled a general timeline of what should be safe to eat at different stages of recovery – and provided some important facts about when you’ll be able to enjoy all the foods you love again.

Why eat soft, healthy foods after teeth are extracted?

While having a tooth extraction is a common procedure, maintaining a healthy diet of soft foods, following your dentist’s instructions and managing self-care are critical to ensuring the recovery process goes smoothly.

You’ll want to do this to avoid complications or infections, which can result from bacteria or food particles becoming trapped in the extraction area.

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

For 3 to 5 days

Generally, you’ll want to ensure you eat lots of soft, mushy food and ensure you get plenty of liquids for 3 to 5 days. This can include:

Smoothies
Apple sauce
Yogurt
Blended soups (easy to eat, hydrating and rich in nutrients)
Pudding
Broths (filled with minerals and essential vitamins to help you recover)
Pureed or mashed vegetables such as squash or carrots
Jell-O
Regular ice cream or banana ice cream
Seedless, pureed fruit
Potatoes (regular, mashed or sweet)

As you start to heal, gradually integrate more regular, semi-soft foods such as:

Instant oatmeal
Toast
Scrambled eggs
Macaroni and cheese

Allow any hot food to cool before eating, and keep the area clean according to your dentist’s recommendations. Also, remember to take your medications as prescribed.

Which foods should I avoid?

For 1 Week or More

For those first few days, the extraction site will be vulnerable to infection. You’ll want to avoid foods that may inflame the area or lead to complications, such as:

Grains (quinoa, rice)
Alcohol
Seeds
Crunchy, tough or crumbly foods (hamburgers, jerky, popcorn, pizza, etc.)
Spicy or acidic foods (peppers, citrus juice)

For 2 to 4 Weeks

You may love these snack foods. However, you should avoid eating them until you’re fully recovered, as they may stick in the wound and disrupt healing.

Popcorn
Nuts
Chips

When can I start eating normal food after a tooth extraction?

Many patients find they can eat normal food again within a week of having teeth removed. Eating a diet full of delicious, healthy and soft foods in the days and weeks following a tooth extraction is imperative to your quick recovery.

As long as you consume the right foods – and avoid foods that may delay or hamper your recovery – you’ll feel more comfortable and help reduce your risk of infection.