A tooth extraction process is a very simple yet traumatizing experience for many. The cold forceps. the bright lights, the sensitive handlings, all these only add to the stressful condition, especially amongst children. Another concern amongst many after the procedure is what exactly should I eat to keep the pain at a minimum and the recovery fastest?
So, When Can I eat solid food after tooth extraction?
A period of a few weeks is recommended by most dentists after extraction. Ensure your dental tissues get an adequate amount of time to heal and also your jaws get the opportunity to deal with the trauma of extraction. We will discuss much more about this topic in the upcoming thread.
Table of Content
Why Extract Teeth?
Tooth extraction is a primary occurrence amongst toddlers to help them get rid of their milk teeth and enable the growth of permanent teeth. Amongst adults, tooth extraction may be needed to combat occurrences such as:
- To properly align the tooth
- If the teeth decay and has a potential risk for infections spread, tooth extraction is a must process
- Following any trauma to the teeth, causes it to loosen up and carries the threat of falling off.
Following tooth extraction, it’s common for both adults and children to get into a dilemma, can I eat bread after tooth extraction? Can I eat dairy after tooth extraction? Let’s answer those questions.
What Happens After Tooth Extraction
When Can I eat solid food after tooth extraction? Exactly why is it necessary to avoid certain food times in the recovery phase after tooth extraction? It’s because:
- The exposed region in the mouth: Removal of teeth forms an empty space in the mouth free of the teeth, part of the gum. Food particle ingestion can cause irritation in this region which can lead to pain and wound.
- Infection: The removal of teeth and gum can leave an empty space vulnerable to infections during food intake.
- Allow time for jaw recovery: After a teeth removal, the jaws get sore from the procedure and may take a longer time to fully recover if we continue to provide stress to it in the form of chewing food.
- Rupture of clot: After a tooth has been pulled off, a clot usually forms at the site. Chewing of food may cause rupture of the clot and subsequent bleeding if it is not properly dressed and allowed time to rest.
Factors Affecting Tooth Recovery After Extraction
When can I eat solid food after a simple tooth extraction? While a general timeline has been fixed by most dentists, the recovery period among individuals may vary depending on a few factors which include:
- Dental Hygiene: People ensuring proper care of their gum both before and after the procedure have a much faster recovery rate than people who are not conscious of dental hygiene.
- Depth of Surgery: Simple tooth extraction often doesn’t involve cutting or extractions. But, some impacted wisdom teeth require surgery involving the removal of bone and other obstructions.
Such surgery also may involve extensive anesthesia usage. Hence, the recovery period from such procedures will be longer.
- Nutrition Status: It’s best to ensure a high protein diet in the days following the extraction to ensure a fast recovery.
Care After Tooth Extraction:
After performing a tooth extraction, it’s better to follow the recommendations of your dentist to ensure swift and proper recovery. A few general guidelines include:
- Ensure proper dressing at the site of removal to prevent bursting of clot
- Bite firmly but gently on a pad placed by your dentist to prevent bleeding and allow clot to form in the area.
- To prevent swelling after tooth extraction, keep down an ice pack immediately after removal.
- Take rest for at least 24 hours after extraction and limit activity for the next few days
- Rinse your mouth with a solution made of ½ teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of warm water for proper cleaning of the mouth a day after the extraction.
- Try eating more liquid food and avoid solid food as much as possible
- Take proper precautions while brushing your teeth to avoid the extracted area.
When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?
When can I eat solid food after tooth extraction? Can I eat bread after tooth extraction? Why no dairy after tooth extraction? Some of the many queries among people who recently got their tooth removed.
A general guideline about the best foods to eat after extraction are as follows:
- Soups: Soups made from blending fresh veggies like tomato, and pumpkin is an excellent source of nutrition without the hassle of chewing and also keep the body hydrated at all times.
- Broth: Broths containing boiled-down beef bones, and chickens are a very good source of protein.
- Yogurt: Another high protein food to maintain hydration and give quick fuel. Also, a high protein diet is good for fast recovery following any surgery.
- Scrambled Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein and also contain a rich amount of omega-3, fats that help the process of healing.
- Fruit Juice: Fruit smoothies and mashed fruits are a great source of essential vitamins following extraction.
- Hummus: Hummus is a middle eastern dip made from a mixture of chickpeas, olive oil, spices, etc. It’s rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Though eaten with bread, try eating it by itself to avoid trauma to the teeth.
- Cottage Cheese: A great source of vitamins and minerals and at a very low calorie.
- Mild Food: Whatever food you decide on eating, make sure it’s not heavy on spice as spicy food can cause irritation at the site of extraction.
- Ice cream: Ice cream made from fruits can be a good source of nutrition and also provide some relief.
Food To Avoid
As you may have already guessed, highly spicy, hard food must be avoided to ensure proper response to treatment and healing at the site of extraction. Food to avoid during this tenure includes:
- Spicy foods
- Crunchy and crumbly food as while the former might directly cause trauma at the site of extraction, the latter can lodge at the site of extraction and inhibit healing.
- Grain and seeds can lodge at the site of removal.
- Alcohol, can irritate the wound or inhibit the actions of the prescribed medication.
FAQs
- Can I eat bread after tooth extraction?
Intake of soft bread and grains eg: White bread. Wheat bread, flatbread, and
oatmeal is acceptable after surgery.
- Why no dairy after tooth extraction?
Dairy products can cause inflammation at the site of injury which can cause pain and delay healing. Hence, it’s better to avoid dairy after tooth extraction.
- Can I eat meat after tooth extraction?
Meat intake in soft, easily digestible form eg: small bite-size chunks in soup is encouraged to amplify protein intake after extraction. However, avoid eating chewy, hard forms of meat like steak, and fried chicken.
- When does the gum close following extraction?
It takes typically 7-10 days for the gums to close completely following surgery and you can also rest easy of a dry socket during this time.
- How will I know if the clot at the site of tooth removal has dislodged?
If you dislodge or burst a clot from the negligence of proper care, you will see bleeding at the site.
- What can I eat 7 days after tooth extraction?
You can try shifting your focus from completely liquid, soft food to a bit harder, chewy food at around this time. Remember, the period of healing varies among people so make sure there’s no pain at the site of extraction.
Final Words
When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction? A tooth extraction process is very intimidating to most common folks. Fear of severe pain and compromise of solid food intake leads many to wait till the very last minute for getting the procedure.
With proper guidance, discipline and a bit of self-abstinence, the road to healing following extraction is very smooth and you can get back to intake of solid food in the shortest of time.
