Which Foods Should You Avoid After Tooth Extraction?

All you want is a quick bite to eat after having your teeth out. But pause before you grab your favorite coffee or reach for that crunchy snack! After having a tooth extracted, the things you eat can make or ruin your recuperation. A tooth extraction is a serious procedure, and how well and quickly you recover majorly depends on what you eat afterward. While some can induce discomfort, infection, or even the dreaded dry socket, others can calm and heal. 

Complications like infections, dry sockets, and needless suffering can be avoided with appropriate dietary choices. However, knowing what not to eat is equally as crucial as understanding what to eat. What should you avoid after extraction, and why can they cause issues? Let’s use this blog to discover the answers.

Why Are The Right Dietary Decisions After Tooth Extraction Important?

Post-extraction keeps your mouth in a delicate state. In case, the extraction site is an open wound that needs time to fully heal. Consuming unhealthy foods can:

• Slow recovery.
• Induce pain and discomfort.
• Cause irritation or infection.
• Raise the possibility of problems like dry socket.

Highly Ignore These Foods After Tooth Extraction

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Foods that are crunchy have the potential to irritate the extraction site. So, you must ignore:

• Nuts and Chips.
• Granola.
• Popcorn.
• Hard Candies. 

It’s better to stick to softer, easy-to-eat foods for a smooth recovery after tooth extractions.

Acidic and Spicy Foods

These may result in discomfort, stinging, and worst inflammation. Restrict yourself from:

• Hot Peppers.
• Salsa.
• Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons.
• Dressings made with vinegar.

Chewy and Sticky Foods

Foods that are sticky can stuck in the extraction area, making cleanup challenging and raising the possibility of infection. Steer clear of:

• Caramels.
• Chewing Gums.
• Dehydrated fruits.

Fibrous and Tough Meats

Excessive chewing is necessary for tough meats, which can exert pressure on the extraction site. Avoid steak, pork chops, etc.

About 2-5% of all tooth extractions result in dry socket, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). However, the risk is significantly increased if post-operative care is not properly followed, including avoiding dangerous foods.

Hot Caffeinated Drinks

Dry socket might result from hot drinks dislodging the healing clot. It’s better to avoid

• Coffee and tea.
• Warm soups.
• Hot Chocolate.

Alcoholic and Carbonated Drinks

Alcohol and bubbles irritate the wound and prevent a clot from forming. So, ignore sparkling water, soda, beer and cocktails.

Safe Substitutes To Hasten Healing

Choose soft, nutrient-dense foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, seedless smoothies, apple sauce, and blended soups in place of the aforementioned.

In the end, your post-extraction diet isn’t forever, but it’s essential to make sure a smooth and quick recovery. Avoiding crunchy, sticky, spicy, and tough foods will help stop complications & discomfort at their place. Stick to soft, easy-to-eat options, and you’ll be back to your normal diet before you know it. Concerned about your recuperation? Always get individualized advice from our trusted dentist. Book an appointment asap!