What to eat after a tooth extraction: recommended foods and what to avoid

Following a tooth extraction, the body immediately begins the healing process. A blood clot forms in the empty socket, protecting the bone and nerve endings and creating the conditions necessary for tissue regeneration. Dietary choices in the first few days should protect this clot, minimise irritation of the area and ensure an adequate intake of fluids and nutrients.

Extraction may be recommended when a tooth is compromised by deep decay, an infection, a fracture or advanced periodontal disease, as well as in the case of wisdom teeth or as part of orthodontic treatment. Post-operative instructions vary depending on the complexity of the case; therefore, the recommendations of the dentist who performed the procedure take precedence. 

• Once the anaesthetic has worn off, choose soft foods that are easy to chew;
• In the first few days, avoid hot, hard, crunchy and seeded foods;
• drink liquids from a glass, without a straw;
• chew on the side opposite to the extraction;
• gradually reintroduce solid foods as the discomfort subsides;
• Follow your dentist’s advice if the extraction was complex. 

Very hard, hot or crunchy foods can irritate the wound, and small particles may become lodged in the extraction site. Furthermore, sucking through a straw, spitting or vigorous rinsing can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket, a painful complication that delays healing.

A soft, balanced diet reduces the effort required for chewing and provides the body with the proteins, vitamins and minerals needed for recovery.

“In the first few days, diet should not be viewed merely as a comfort measure. The texture and temperature of food can protect the operated area and support a normal healing process” – Dr Eric Bumbar, Cosmetic Dentist, Certified Implantologist

Are you experiencing increasing pain or other unusual symptoms? Contact the DENT ESTET team 

What you can eat in the first 24 hours

The following are recommended:

• yoghurt
• smooth purées
• pudding
• soft cheeses
• cream soups
• seedless smoothies, eaten with a teaspoon or straight from the glass, not with a straw.  

Diet after 24–48 hours

After this period, the following may be added:

• mashed potatoes or vegetables
• mashed fruit compote
• pasta
• oat porridge
• lukewarm soups.  

Meals should not be hot, acidic or heavily spiced.  

Diet after 5–7 days

One week after the procedure, the diet can return to normal:

• Fish / meat
• Roasted/boiled vegetables
• Eggs
• Pasta
• Nuts, seeds and popcorn should be avoided for the time being.

Nutrients that are helpful during recovery

• Proteins found in eggs, yoghurt, fish and meat support tissue repair
• Vitamin C helps with collagen formation, but in the first few days it is best to get it from soft, non-acidic foods rather than concentrated citrus juices.  
• Vitamins A and D, calcium and zinc round off a varied diet; supplements should only be taken on the advice of a doctor. 

“There is no one-size-fits-all diet for all patients. Solid foods are reintroduced gradually, depending on the condition of the wound, the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s comfort when chewing” – Dr. Eric Bumbar. 

In the first few days, avoid:

• hard or crunchy foods, such as crisps, croutons, nuts and raw vegetables;
• caramels, gummy sweets and other sticky foods, as these can stick to your teeth and put strain on the wound;
• spicy, very salty or acidic foods, as these can cause a stinging sensation and irritation.

Do not consume hot food or drink on the day of the procedure. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase bleeding, delay healing and interact with your prescribed medication.  

Smoking and vaping increase the risk of complications, including dry socket, and should be avoided for as long as possible, in accordance with your dentist’s advice. 

Room-temperature water is the best choice. You can also drink milk, non-carbonated drinks or smoothies, provided they are well tolerated and do not contain seeds. After the first day, you can drink tea lukewarm, not hot.

Avoid using a straw during the first few days, as the sucking motion may dislodge the clot.  

Alcohol, fizzy drinks and concentrated acidic juices are not recommended. You can resume drinking coffee after the initial stage, provided it is lukewarm and your doctor has not advised otherwise. 

In the first 24 hours:

• it is not advisable to rinse the area around the extracted tooth vigorously or to touch the area;
• brush your teeth carefully, avoiding direct contact with the wound.  

After 24–48 hours, your dentist may recommend gentle rinsing with lukewarm salt water or a prescribed antiseptic solution.

Pain and inflammation should gradually subside.  

“If the pain becomes more intense after a few days, or if there is an unpleasant taste, a fever, discharge or persistent bleeding, the patient should contact the clinic. A healthy diet aids recovery, but is no substitute for an assessment of any potential complications” – Dr. Eric Bumbar

• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Post-operative Instructions
• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal.
• University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Dental Extractions: Post-operative Instructions