After a tooth extraction, it is usually best to wait until your dentist says it is safe to eat and until enough numbness has worn off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue. You can generally sip water carefully after the procedure, but avoid using a straw because suction can disturb the blood clot forming over the extraction site.
For the first 24 hours, choose soft, cool or lukewarm foods that require very little chewing. Good options include:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies eaten with a spoon
- Oatmeal
- Soft pasta
- Lukewarm broth or soup
- Ice cream
Avoid hot, hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods during the early healing period. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.
Recovery can vary depending on whether the extraction was simple or surgical. If you have questions about eating, drinking, pain, swelling, or healing after a tooth extraction, contact Pryor Dental for guidance.
Feel free to contact us at (336) 800-9967.