How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Eat?

Even though tooth extraction is a safe procedure, aftercare is vital to successful healing, and food plays an essential role in aftercare. You need to know when, what, and how you should eat after tooth extraction to ensure you do not do something that hinders or delays the healing or, worse, leads to complications. While your periodontist will provide detailed guidelines on when you can start eating and what foods to eat after tooth extraction, here are some essential food-related care tips to help you avoid any issues.

Why Does Diet Matter After Tooth Extraction?

Following a specific dietary plan after a tooth extraction is crucial in promoting optimal healing. The right foods provide essential nutrients your body needs to recover effectively, while the wrong ones can hinder the healing process or lead to complications.

When Can I Eat After Tooth Extraction?

Generally, you can start consuming clear liquids within a few hours of the procedure. These include water, broth, clear juices, and milkshakes (avoid using a straw as the suction can dislodge the blood clot).

What Can I Eat After Tooth Extraction?

Here is a general timeline of what you can eat after tooth extraction within the first 24 hours, after 24 hours, and up to week 2.

First 24 Hours

• Focus on liquids: Prioritize water, broth, clear juices, and milkshakes (without a straw).
• For something more substantial: Choose soft foods like pudding, mashed potatoes, or applesauce.
• Avoid: Solid foods that require chewing, hot and spicy foods, acidic foods, sticky and crunchy foods, and alcohol.

After 24 Hours

• Gradually introduce soft foods: Scrambled eggs, yogurt, well-cooked pasta, and steamed vegetables are good options.
• Continue to avoid: Chewing on the extraction site, hot foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, sticky foods, crunchy foods, and alcohol for at least 2 days.

Two Weeks

• Slowly transition back to your regular diet: Prioritize nutritious and easy-to-chew foods.
• Continue to avoid: Try not to chew on the extraction site for at least two weeks. Stay away from hot, spicy, acidic, sticky, and crunchy foods until your gum and jawbone fully heal.

Additional Tips

• Use a spoon instead of a straw: The suction from straws can dislodge the blood clot.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Gently brush and floss around the extraction site, but avoid the extraction site itself.
• Always consult your periodontist: They will provide personalized advice based on your unique needs and the complexity of the extraction.

Get More Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips From MK Perio

These are some essential food-related aftercare tips you need to follow to ensure quick and smooth healing after tooth extraction. If you are looking for a reliable periodontist to get your tooth extracted or have developed some complications after extraction, get in touch with Dr. Karbakhsch or Dr. Katafuchi at MK Periodontics and Implants – two of the most experienced and reliable periodontists in Washington.

Click here to schedule a consultation or dial (253) 752-6336 for our Tacoma office.