Tooth Extraction Aftercare: 50 Soft Foods To Eat for a Smooth Recovery

Tooth Extraction Aftercare: 50 Soft Foods To Eat for a Smooth Recovery

Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS

Reading time: four minutes.

Tooth extractions are one of the most common oral surgeries, with millions performed every year in the United States.

Whether you are having your wisdom teeth removed or dealing with a damaged tooth, proper aftercare is essential to prevent complications and promote healing.

Following your extraction, you will need to follow specific instructions to protect your mouth, promote blood clotting, and ensure a speedy recovery.

Here is what you need to know about the recovery process, the best foods to eat, and what to avoid after a tooth extraction.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

You need to eat soft foods after a tooth extraction to protect the healing site, prevent irritation, and encourage proper blood clotting. Sticking to soft, easy-to-eat options reduces your risk of complications like dry socket and supports a quicker, smoother recovery.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket, either due to decay, damage, or impaction.

Oral surgeons perform two main types of extractions:

  1. Simple extraction
    A simple extraction involves removing a visible tooth using forceps. It is often performed under local anesthesia and is quicker than a surgical extraction.
  2. Surgical extraction
    This type is more complex and is typically required for impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth. It involves making an incision in the gum to access and remove the tooth.

Common Complications After Extraction

While tooth extractions are generally safe, complications can occur.

Some of the most common complications include:

  • Dry socket: When the blood clot dislodges from the socket, causing severe pain and delaying healing.
  • Infection: Bacteria entering the extraction site can lead to infection.
  • Bone spicules: Small bone fragments, called bone spicules, can occasionally emerge from the gum tissue post-surgery, causing discomfort.

Why a Soft-Food Diet Is Essential

After your extraction, your mouth will be sensitive and vulnerable to irritation.

Soft foods minimize pressure and discomfort while providing nutrients for healing.

They also reduce the risk of complications, such as dry socket, by supporting the formation and stability of the blood clot.

50 Soft Foods to Eat After a Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, focus on nutrient-rich, soft foods that promote healing. Here are 50 options that are gentle on your mouth:

  1. Applesauce
  2. Baby food
  3. Baked apples
  4. Baked beans
  5. Baked sweet potatoes
  6. Broth-based soups
  7. Chia Pudding
  8. Cooked vegetables
  9. Cottage cheese
  10. Cream of wheat
  11. Creamed spinach
  12. Custard
  13. Egg salad
  14. Fish
  15. Frozen yogurt
  16. Greek yogurt
  17. Gnocchi
  18. Ground chicken
  19. Hummus
  20. Ice cream
  21. Jell-O
  22. Lentil soup
  23. Macaroni and cheese
  24. Mashed avocado
  25. Mashed bananas
  26. Mashed potatoes
  27. Mashed pumpkin
  28. Meatloaf
  29. Milkshakes
  30. Muffins
  31. Nut butters
  32. Oatmeal
  33. Pancakes
  34. Polenta
  35. Porridge
  36. Protein powder
  37. Pudding
  38. Pureed fruit
  39. Pureed soups
  40. Quinoa
  41. Refried beans
  42. Rice pudding
  43. Risotto
  44. Scrambled eggs
  45. Shepherd’s pie
  46. Smoothies
  47. Soft bread
  48. Soft cheese
  49. Soft pasta
  50. Tofu

These soft foods provide a mix of protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients while keeping pressure off the sensitive extraction site.

Foods to Avoid for Proper Healing

During recovery, you should avoid foods that could irritate the surgical site or dislodge the blood clot.

Stay away from:

  • Crunchy foods: Such as chips or raw vegetables.
  • Chewy foods: Steak, bagels, and other dense foods require significant chewing.
  • Sticky foods: Foods like caramel or gummy candies stick to your teeth and can be hard to remove.
  • Spicy foods: Spicy sauces and foods can irritate the sensitive gum tissue.
  • Hot foods and beverages: Extreme heat can dislodge the blood clot, increasing the risk of dry socket.
  • Acidic foods: Citrus fruits and tomatoes can irritate the extraction site.
  • Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol interferes with healing and may react poorly with prescribed medications.
  • Tobacco products: Smoking slows the healing process and increases the risk of complications.

How Long Does the Healing Process Take?

The recovery process varies, but most people can expect around one to two weeks of healing time.

Here is a general timeline:

  1. First 24 hours: Focus on rest, keep the head elevated, and avoid physical activity.
  2. 48 hours: Swelling should begin to reduce; continue eating only soft foods and avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously.
  3. One week: You can gradually reintroduce more solid foods, but avoid anything too chewy or hard.
  4. Two weeks: Most extraction sites will be fully healed, and you may return to your normal diet.

What Comes Next? Considering a Dental Implant

If your extraction is due to damage or decay, you may want to consider a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.

Dental implants offer:

  • Natural appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.
  • Long-term durability: Implants can last for decades with proper care.
  • Preservation of jawbone: Implants prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur after tooth loss.

If you are having a tooth extraction, speak with your dentist at Young Dental SF about dental implants. 

Book Your Appointment at Young Dental SF Today!

After a tooth extraction, stick to a soft food diet and take proactive steps to prevent complications. If you are considering a tooth extraction or have questions about the procedure, contact us today.To book an appointment in at our dental office in San Francisco, call us at (415) 392-8611 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 490 Post Street, Suite 830 San Francisco.