Before going into surgery, many patients have the thought, “When can I eat solid foods after tooth extraction? Will I ever be the same…?” And we get it.
Tooth extraction isn’t exactly a painless or relaxing process, especially after the surgery. You’ll be uncomfortable and have trouble with the basics, especially when we talk about eating. With an open wound in your mouth, you’ll have to refrain from solid foods for a while.
But when can you eat solid food after tooth extraction? In this blog, we’ll give you all the important answers on what to eat after wisdom teeth removal and how long you should wait before eating solid foods.
But before we answer when can you eat solid food after tooth extraction, let’s talk about why you need to avoid them in the first place!
Why do I need to avoid solid food after tooth extraction?
The precautions after tooth extraction might seem a tad dramatic, but the reason is simple and valid. After your wisdom tooth or any tooth for that matter is extracted, it’s a wound that needs time to recover.
On the other hand, solid foods are abrasive and can irritate the recovery site, causing more harm than good. Not only will it be painful to chew any solid food, but it can also cause bleeding and inflammation.
But the worst of it all can come if you manage to dislodge the main clot while eating solid foods after tooth extraction. If the clot dislodges, you’ll start bleeding again and have a higher chance of infecting your wound with a dry socket.
It can and will make your healing process much more painful, and you’ll end up not being able to eat any solid foods for much longer. In short, prevention is better than cure!
How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat?
After a tooth extraction, the timeline for when you can resume eating solid foods depends on the complexity of the extraction and your body’s healing process.
Here are general guidelines to help you navigate this crucial post-extraction period and answer, “When can I eat solid foods after tooth extraction?”:
Immediate post-extraction period (first 24 hours)
Avoid solid foods and stick to a soft or liquid diet during the initial 24 hours. This allows the extraction site to initiate the healing process without disruption. Opt for cool or lukewarm soft foods, such as soups, broths, yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
Days 2 to 7
By day 2, most patients end up thinking, “I miss my favorite food! After wisdom teeth removal, when can I eat?!” But you’re not there yet. In the days following the extraction, gradually introduce slightly more solid foods into your diet, ensuring they don’t require chewing or biting.
Continue prioritizing soft foods, avoiding anything too hot or spicy that might irritate the healing area. Examples include scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, soft fruits, and cooked vegetables.
Days 7 and beyond
As the healing progresses and your dentist or oral surgeon confirms the extraction site is healing well, you can begin adding more solid foods back into your diet. However, continue avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could disturb the healing process or get stuck in the extraction site.
Tip: Regardless of the food texture, chew on the opposite side of the mouth from where the extraction occurred to minimize pressure on the healing area.
Can I eat 3 hours after tooth extraction?
No, you should refrain from eating anything immediately after surgery. According to experts and dentists, you should not have anything to eat for the first 24 hours post-surgery since you have an open wound in your mouth.
Instead, you should only drink liquids and soft foods for the first 24 hours and slowly build yourself back to your regular diet.
Can I drink milk after tooth extraction?
No, you should steer clear of all dairy products for a few days after tooth extraction. It’s best to avoid milk altogether for at least 3-5 days after your tooth removal.
After tooth extraction, your socket is an open wound that could get infected if bacteria come into contact with it. And according to experts, one of the most common food sources for bacteria is dairy products.
What can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?
For dentists, the questions don’t end with, “When can I eat normally after tooth extraction?” Instead, you have to focus on what foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal and some foods you should avoid!
Now, there are many soft foods you can eat after tooth extraction, but in this blog, we’ve compiled a quick list of foods to eat and avoid after wisdom tooth removal.
Foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal
- Soft fruits (e.g., ripe bananas, smooth applesauce, mashed avocados)
- Blended soups (e.g., creamy tomato, butternut squash)
- Yogurt and pudding
- Oatmeal or porridge
- Mashed potatoes
- Protein smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta or noodles (softer varieties)
- Ice cream and sorbet
Foods to avoid after tooth extraction
- Crunchy snacks (e.g., chips, popcorn, nuts)
- Hard candies
- Spicy foods
- Acidic fruits (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes)
- Steaming hot foods
- Carbonated drinks
- Chewy treats (e.g., sticky candies)
- Alcohol and tobacco
And there you have it! Tooth extraction, especially when it’s your wisdom tooth, can be an anxious moment to live through. And while the post-surgery effects can be uncomfortable, your gum should heal in no time.
But to make that happen, a dentist will recommend refraining from solid foods. So if you’ve wondered, “When can I eat solid foods after tooth extraction?” this blog has answered that for you and more.
FAQs
No, After wisdom teeth removal, it is generally recommended to avoid eating hot chips for at least the first few days, as hot and crunchy foods can irritate the surgical site and hinder the healing process.
It is generally safe to eat ice cream after wisdom tooth extraction. It is better to wait until recovery.
Hot food should be avoided for the initial days following wisdom tooth extraction to prevent irritation and potential complications. It is generally not recommended to eat spicy food within the first 24 hours after tooth extraction, as the spices may cause irritation to the surgical area.
Nuts are best avoided in the early stages of recovery or at least 2 weeks after tooth extraction due to their crunchy texture, which can pose a risk of dislodging the blood clot and interfering with the healing process.
Professional Dental Care Guidance
If you want guidance for tooth extraction and recovery, Premiere Dental can help you in Philadelphia, Deptford, and Abington, PA. For more information, you can contact us or schedule your appointment.
