Eating after tooth extraction
Eating after tooth extraction - What is allowed and what is not?
If you are about to undergo a tooth extraction or have recently had one, it may be important for you to know what you can and cannot eat afterwards. This is significant because consuming the right foods and avoiding certain others can help prevent post-extraction inflammation.
Eating after tooth extraction - What should we be aware of?
What you can eat after a tooth extraction is determined by which foods may lead to inflammation.
After a tooth extraction, consuming dairy products is not recommended because milk and eggs contain bacteria that can lead to bacterial infections. While eating, we should also be careful to avoid chewing on the treated area and chew on the other side instead.
Pureed foods are not recommended after a tooth extraction because the paste can easily adhere to the surface of the wound and inside the wound itself. Eating after a tooth extraction should consist of foods that require normal chewing. Therefore, avoid consuming pureed or blended foods, as well as smoothies. It is also not recommended to eat bananas or gummy candies after extraction due to their sticky nature. Consuming foods with small pieces (like nuts) should also be avoided.
Eating after a tooth extraction: What are our options?
These foods can be consumed after a tooth extraction with proper caution and minimal risk:
- Baked goods
- Soups that do not contain dairy or eggs
- Non-pureed fruits
- Steamed vegetables
- Grilled foods
- Salads without dairy or egg-based dressings
- Plant-based milks or cheeses
- Pasta dishes
After a tooth extraction, foods should not be overly spicy, strong, or hot; they should rather have a mild flavor.
Timing of food consumption after a tooth extraction - What and when?
The question may also arise as to when you can eat after a tooth extraction.
Eating immediately after a tooth extraction is not recommended while the anesthesia is still effective. The numbness usually lasts for 2-4 hours, depending on individual characteristics. The timing of when you can eat after extraction depends on how your body reacts to the anesthesia, specifically when the numbness subsides. To eat normally, without restrictions, you should wait until the affected area heals, which generally takes 7-10 days. Since food consumption is limited after extraction, it is advisable to arrive for the extraction with a full stomach.
In summary, eating after a tooth extraction is not always risky, but it is important to focus on the proper timing and selection of appropriate foods.
If you have any questions regarding eating after a tooth extraction, please feel free to call our customer service at 053 930 1323.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Eating After a Tooth Extraction
If food gets stuck in the wound after a tooth extraction, what should I do?
Try to gently remove the stuck food using a toothbrush; do not suck or rinse. After a tooth extraction, avoid eating in the affected area as much as possible.
What should not be eaten after a tooth extraction?
Consumption of foods that may lead to inflammation or are problematic due to their texture or composition is not recommended. Avoid sticky, chunkier foods, and raw dairy products.
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