7 Soft Foods to Eat After Having Your Dental Extraction
The dentist in Greeley, CO, strives to preserve natural teeth through various treatments. However, some factors make it necessary to extract or completely remove a tooth from its socket. For example, you may have teeth extracted due to dental decay, gum disease, or trauma. A tooth can also be removed due to orthodontic concerns or if impacted since it causes pain.
Simple dental extractions are performed for teeth visible above the gum line. However, the endodontist in Greeley, CO, will carry out a surgical extraction when removing an impacted wisdom tooth. It involves cutting into the gums and bone to remove the tooth.
After the procedure, your gums will remain tender and may hurt a little for a few days. Therefore you will not continue with your regular diet but substitute it for soft foods. Even though your options are slightly limited, you must stay well-nourished. Below are some foods the experts at Affordable Dental Clinics recommend during the recovery period.
7 Nutritious Foods to Eat After Dental Extraction
- Soups and broth
You do not have to starve the first few hours after removing your tooth. After leaving the dental office, you can take some blended tomato or pumpkin soup. These are smooth and do not contain chunks that could irritate the operated site. The broth is also recommended as an after-extraction food. Bone broth is great since it has anti-inflammatory benefits.
The soup and broth’s potassium, fiber, and vitamins will nourish and keep you hydrated. Ensure that your soup contains proteins that assist in wound healing. Do not use a straw to take the liquids since the pressure may dislodge the clot leading to a dry socket. Consume them when cold or lukewarm, not hot, as the heat may irritate the wound.
- Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt has a smooth, creamy texture and is quite nutritious. It contains proteins, vitamins, calcium, and Zinc, which lead to faster wound healing. After the extraction, consuming cold Greek yogurt will soothe and ease the pain in your mouth.
- Scrambled eggs
Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. During recovery from your tooth extraction, consume plenty of pasteurized or omega-3-enriched eggs. They provide nutrition and aid in healing your gums. In addition, having them scrambled facilitates easy chewing and swallowing. This prevents unnecessary strain on your mouth and aids healing.
- Salmon
You can still enjoy some fish after a dental extraction procedure. Dentists recommend salmon since it is soft, easy to chew, and highly nutritious. In addition, salmon contains proteins and healthy fats. As a result, they reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
- Oatmeal
Three days after the procedure, you can eat some oatmeal. Oats contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These make you feel full for longer and keep up your energy levels. However, you should eat instant oatmeal because regular oatmeal is chewy and sticky. Consume it when lukewarm to avoid irritating the wound.
- Mashed potatoes and pumpkin
Potatoes are rich in nutrients and calories essential during recovery after oral surgery. They are easy to chew when mashed, and a few bites provide a lot of energy. You can mix mashed potatoes with cooked mashed pumpkin for a great taste and more nutrients. Pumpkins contain vitamins A, C, and E and potassium. They improve immunity, thus aiding in recovery.
- Ice cream
The endodontist in Greeley, CO, recommends ice cream after tooth extraction. The coolness soothes the site reduces swelling and pain. In addition, you can blend ice cream with banana slices to improve the taste and increase nutrition. Bananas contain potassium, Vitamin B6, folate, and manganese. These vitamins and minerals aid in faster recovery.
Which Type of Things Not to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
There are foods that the dentist in Greeley, CO, advises patients not to eat after an extraction. You should avoid spicy, crunchy, and chewy foods as they cause pain and irritation. They may also get lodged in the operated site and disrupt healing.
Avoid taking alcohol as it irritates the wound and may interact with the medication. Contact the emergency dentist near you immediately if you have dislodged the clot or the bleeding does not stop. Seek immediate treatment if you experience severe pain on the socket a few days after extraction. It may be due to dry socket.