A tooth extraction comprises complete tooth removal from its socket which leaves behind a gap. There are several reasons as to why a person might have teeth/tooth extracted mainly such as from tooth decay or having impacted wisdom teeth. When undergoing these procedures, whatever the reason it is vital you have the right care instructions so you avoid complications and heal as quickly as possible.
For most people, a big concern after having teeth removed is simply when or what to eat. So, the question that arises here is how long after tooth extraction can I eat. Generally, your dentist will give you advice if you ask them with regard to time spans and the types of food you should eat.
Foods to eat
- Days 1-3 – Depending on the procedure’s intrusiveness a person might be advised to eat liquid foods for a few hours after the extraction. Foods such as pudding, cereal, soups, yogurt, and ice cream are okay. It is not a good idea to use a straw as the suction process can dislodge the clot covering the wound and result in bleeding and pain, which delays healing further. Swishing, spitting, rinsing, and gurgling should be avoided mainly for the same reasons.
- Days 3-10 – Now, a person can begin flossing and brushing like common but while extra attention paying no need for disturbing the extraction site. In the meantime, the saline or mouthwash solution can do for the areas not require floss or brush. In terms of the diet, a person can continue eating foods that are soft and less likely for being trapped in the socket of an empty tooth. Now, a person can eat foods such as scrambled eggs, hummus, mashed potatoes, salmon, bananas, and avocado. If the extraction was straight forward you should be eating as normal, may be just avoiding chewing near the affected area.
- 2 weeks later – After two weeks most people start feeling well and go back to the usual diet. If you are still suffering any discomfort, you should consult your dentist.
Foods to avoid
After a tooth extraction is avoid eating any hard or sharp foods such as nuts or potato chips. Irritation and pain may also result from eating spicy foods and crumbly and crunchy seeds and grains or food can get into this empty socket, and the healing process is disrupted. Any foods that require a lot of chewing are not good as there is biting yourself risk particularly when the anesthesia is yet to wear off. Lastly cigarettes and alcohol are a no-go after any such dental procedure.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the answer for how long after tooth extraction can I eat is to be careful and sensible for the first three days following any extraction. Each case is different so be wary when first eating hot, cold, chewy or hard foods.
