How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Eat?

Tooth extraction is fairly common in adults. Despite that, many people get anxious and even scared when their periodontist tells them they need a tooth extraction. They often ask plenty of questions regarding the procedure, aftercare, and healing, which is great because it is only wise to have detailed knowledge about any medical procedure that you need to go through. One of the most commonly asked questions about tooth extraction is how long after tooth extraction can I eat?

When and What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?

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

When Can You Eat After Tooth Extraction?

Typically, you can start consuming foods within a few hours of the surgery.

What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?

First 24 Hours

Ideally, you should avoid eating anything that requires chewing within the first 24 hours of tooth extraction surgery. Try to stick to liquids only. However, if they do not fill your stomach and you want to eat solid food, opt for soft foods requiring very little chewing, such as pudding or porridge.

Another thing that you need to be highly careful about is not to use a straw. It may seem like a more convenient way of consuming your liquid food, but the suction caused by drinking via a straw can dislodge the blood clot in your wound, leading to bleeding, pain, and delayed healing.

After 24 Hours

You can begin to eat soft foods that require little chewing. However, be careful not to chew from the side the tooth was extracted from.

Do not eat hot foods for the first few days after the extraction. Heat increases the blood flow to the wound and can dislodge the clot. Also, avoid consuming alcohol for at least two days after the surgery as it may delay healing by interacting with your medications.

Two Weeks

Avoid chewing from the extraction site for about two weeks following the procedure to disrupt and delay the healing process. While you can begin to eat your usual foods after three days, avoid very hot, spicy, acidic, sticky, and crunchy foods until your gum and jawbone is fully healed.

Get More Aftercare Tips From MK Perio in Tacoma

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 an appointment or dial (253) 752-6336 for our Tacoma office.