After having a tooth extraction, you might feel more bothered about sticking to a special diet than the procedure itself.
We understand how you feel, but it's crucial to follow the recommended diet for at least 24 hours after the extraction.
The good news is that these foods aren’t that bad; in fact, they can actually speed up your recovery process.
Choosing the right foods can help you curb your cravings without messing up your recovery.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to eat 24 hours after extraction.
When you have a tooth removed, your body starts to heal. This healing process includes swelling, blood clotting, and tissue repair.
After you get home and the bleeding stops, you may feel hungry.
Choosing the right foods can help you heal and reduce the risk of problems like dry socket or infection.
Eating the wrong foods during this time can cause bleeding, inflammation, and infection. To make mealtime easier and more comfortable as you recover, pick soft, bland foods.
These foods should include nutrients like vitamin C, protein, and zinc help repair tissues and boost your immune system.
However, it's also important to keep liquid as a key component of your diet.
Drinking liquids like smoothies, soups, and plenty of water will keep you hydrated, which is essential for healing. As you heal, you can slowly add more solid foods back into your diet.
Be sure to avoid foods that are hard to chew or that might get stuck in the extraction site.
In the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, stick to soft foods to avoid complications.
Choose foods that need little to no chewing and aren’t hot, acidic, or spicy.
Soft foods are easier on your mouth and help reduce irritation or pain.
Here’s a list of soft foods to include in your diet:
Smoothies are great for getting nutrients without chewing. Blend fruits and vegetables with yogurt or milk for a creamy drink. Include bananas, avocados and even spinach.
However, don’t use straws during this time. The suction can cause bleeding or dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site.
Warm (not hot) soups can be soothing and nutritious. Choose pureed soups like tomato, butternut squash, or carrot ginger.
Avoid chunky soups since pieces can irritate the extraction site.
Creamy mashed potatoes are soft and easy to eat. Add butter, milk, or sour cream for flavor and nutrition.
Applesauce is sweet and easy to swallow. It is rich in vitamins and can soothe your throat after the procedure.
Plain or flavored yogurt offers protein and probiotics. Choose kinds without added sugars to avoid irritation.
Greek yogurt is also a good choice for extra protein.
Cooked oatmeal is soft and can be flavored with honey or mashed bananas.
Ensure it’s not too hot before you eat it, as heat can irritate the extraction site.
Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs are rich in protein and easy to chew.
Lightly season them to add flavor without irritation.
Cottage cheese is soft and high in protein. Mix it with soft fruits like peaches or berries for extra flavor and nutrients.
A scoop of ice cream or sorbet can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Choose options without nuts or hard pieces.
In the first 24 hours after your extraction, avoid these foods:
Also, avoid smoking until you are fully recovered.
At Junction Family Dental Care, we offer these additional tips to help our patients enjoy their meals while recovering fully:
What to eat 24 hours after extraction doesn’t have to be dull or complex.
Focus on soft, nutritious options that are easy to chew, while steering clear of anything that might upset the extraction site.
It’s also important to stay hydrated as part of your diet after an extraction.
If you’re still looking for a clinic to handle your extraction, feel free to reach out to us here.
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