50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

What should I eat after dental surgery?

The healing process after dental surgery is accelerated and eased with proper nutrition that will support the body's repair mechanisms. However, returning to a normal diet may not be appropriate during this period; hard and chewy foods can strain sensitive tissues and negatively affect blood clots or stitches. For this reason, soft foods that are easy to eat and have high nutritional value should be preferred, which will contribute to your recovery.

Whether you are after tooth extraction, implants or other oral surgeries, food options that will protect your oral health and increase your comfort are of great importance from the first days of recovery. In addition, many foods can be pureed and liquefied in a blender; thus, a diet that is both nutritious and does not harm the mouth is provided. Practical and delicious soft foods that you can choose to support your oral health and facilitate the healing process both appeal to your palate and make the process more comfortable.

50 soft foods to eat after dental surgery

1. Apples, apricots and peaches cooked and pureed
2. Ripe and soft avocados, plain or mixed
3. Prepared or homemade baby purees
4. Soft baked beans and mashed spaghetti
5. Banana puree, consumed with yogurt or milk
6. Warm chicken, beef or vegetable broth
7. Vegetable stews with plenty of liquid and well-cooked
8. Soft cheesecake
9. Melted or creamy cheeses
10. Creamy mussels and oysters
11. Flavored rice porridge (congee)
12. Well-cooked couscous and semolina, sweet or salty
13. Cottage cheese, plain or mixed with vegetables
14. Homemade or ready-made pudding
15. Hummus, guacamole and light sauces
16. Scrambled eggs or hard-boiled eggs softened with cheese
17. Soft tuna and smoked salmon
18. Ice cream or frozen yogurt without seeds or nuts
19. Jello and similar light desserts
20. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices
21. Soaked soft cookies and cookies
22. Bread dipped in soup
23. Soaked cold cereals until soft
24. Soft ground meats and meatballs from delicatessens
25. Yoghurt
26. Pureeed boiled vegetables (squash, potatoes, carrots)
27. Hot oatmeal, sweetened with honey or banana
28. Well-cooked macaroni and cheese
29. Lightly cooked vegetables
30. Pudding and frothy desserts
31. Blender smoothies (without nuts or ice)
32. Spooning milkshakes
33. Soft starches such as rice, risotto, and tapioca
34. Warm herbal teas
35. Tofu, mashed or cut into small cubes
36. Soaked waffles
37. Salmon and other soft fish
38. With or without vegetables meatballs
39. Semolina desserts
40. Sherbet and lightly sweetened drinks
41. Cooked lentils or other soft legumes
42. Fruit purees and blended mixes
43. Soft cakes and puddings
44. Creamy vegetable soups and purees
45. Sweet and savoury light sauces
46. Boiled eggs and soft omelettes
47. Potato puree, smooth and creamy
48. Soaked soft biscuits
49. Low acid fresh fruit juices
50. Vitamin-fortified fruit and vegetable smoothies

Foods to avoid after tooth extraction

Avoiding certain foods and drinks after dental surgery, implants, or tooth extractions is crucial. Acidic tomato and citrus juices can cause a burning sensation and sensitivity in the surgical area. In addition, spicy and overly salty foods can irritate the wound tissue and negatively affect the healing process. Hard and crunchy popcorn, hard nuts or seeded foods can get stuck in the extraction area, increasing the risk of infection and causing damage to the stitches. Seeds and spicy foods can irritate the sensitive tissues in the area; therefore, it is necessary to stay away from such foods, especially in the first weeks.

Dos and Don'ts after tooth extraction

There are some important points to consider in order to speed up the healing process after tooth extraction and prevent possible complications. It will be useful to follow the following recommendations in order to support the body's renewal after surgery.

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of water to prevent possible complications, but avoid using a straw.
• Rinse your mouth gently: You can both provide hygiene and reduce swelling by gargling gently with warm salt water.
• Pay attention to rest: Support the healing process by staying away from heavy exercises and getting enough rest.
• Use an ice pack: You can apply an ice pack to the surgical area at intervals to relieve swelling and pain.
• Prefer soft foods: Eat foods that are easy to chew and will not harm the surgical area.
• Keep your head elevated: Supporting your head with a pillow while sleeping helps reduce edema.
• Use prescribed medications regularly: Reduce the risk of infection by taking the painkillers and antibiotics recommended by your doctor on time.
• Don't skip follow-up appointments: Regularly check the healing process with professionals.
• Do not touch the extraction area: Do not play with your tongue, fingers or foreign objects in your socket or extraction area.
• Do not rinse too hard: Gentle rinsing is sufficient to protect the blood clot; hard movements make it difficult to heal by moving the blood clot.
• Do not use a straw: The suction force can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process.
• Dont smoke: Cigarettes and other tobacco products are among the most important factors that delay healing and increase the risk of complications; they should definitely be avoided.
• Stop drinking: Minimize alcohol consumption, as it can affect the healing process and interact with antibiotics.

In addition, alcohol mouthwashes commonly used in the market can prevent healing; instead, it would be beneficial to use gentler antiseptic solutions recommended by your doctor. Stay away from hard and sticky foods, do not consume hot drinks and food.

By paying attention to these rules, you can make your recovery after tooth extraction healthier and more comfortable.

ATK Dentpark: Personalized care for your smile in Antalya, Turkey

As ATK Dentpark Clinic, we deeply understand the concerns of our patients during the post-operative recovery process. Our expert team, thanks to its experience in the field of oral surgery, has adopted the principle of providing compassionate and meticulous care specific to the needs of each patient. Your comfort and health are at the forefront for us; that's why we are here to answer your questions and be with you throughout the process.

We provide high standards of service in cosmetic dentistry and implant treatments with our competent staff in Antalya. Do not hesitate to contact us to determine the most suitable solutions for your oral health together and to have a smooth recovery experience. We look forward to seeing you among us and sharing our personalized treatment processes.