As if having your tooth extracted is not painful enough, you also face the daunting task of figuring out the right foods to eat. Certain foods may actually result in swelling, soreness and additional trips to the doctor’s office. Fortunately, there are also good foods to eat after a tooth extraction, all of which can provide you with the nutrients you need during the healing process.
The foods you eat can assist the wound-healing process while others may actually lengthen the healing period. Taking extra caution is therefore critical, especially during the post-surgery phase. For starters, you are highly advised to take soft foods after a tooth extraction. Here is a list of some of the best foods to eat after tooth extraction:
1. Yogurt
It’s smooth, creamy and light flavour makes it one of the most ideal foods to eat after a tooth extraction. When taking yogurt, avoid any ingredients that have to be chewed. Flavours such as strawberry or lemon are highly recommended. Also, a good choice is Greek yogurt, which is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and zinc, all of which promote wound healing. You should definitely add it to your list of favourite flavours.
2. Ice Cream
Who doesn’t enjoy a cup of well flavoured and perfectly whipped ice cream; no one, right? (Unless you have particularly sensitive teeth in which case, my apologies). You also have the privilege of enjoying this delicacy during the post-surgery phase as long as you stick to a soft serve of the same. This is especially true during the first few days after the surgery; but avoid cone, mix-ins, solid sprinkles or crunchy flavours such as Mint chocolate chip, which may cause irritation or infections. The cooling effect of ice cream is particularly vital in soothing inflamed tissues and promoting quicker healing.
3. Smoothies
These are easy to consume, highly versatile and nutritious. Smoothies are a great way to get wholesome nutrition when you are nursing wounds, whether it is a tooth extraction or any other dental procedure. You can also spice things up by adjusting the ingredients to fit your tastes and preferences.
For example, you can add protein powder supplements such as milk and blend them together with some seedless fruits and vegetables. Here is one of the don’ts when taking smoothies after tooth extraction; never consume them through a straw as the pressure may disrupt the healing process.
4. Scrambled Eggs
Eggs rich in proteins and laden with vitamins and minerals are among the best foods to eat after going through a tooth extraction procedure, whichever way you decide to cook them. Omega-3-rich and pasteurized eggs are highly recommended.
5. Mashed Potatoes
While potatoes can be prepared in many ways, mashed potatoes are best suited to aid your recovery process as they are rich in calories and fibre nutrients. They also boost your energy levels in just a few bites.
If you have ever gone through surgery, you know that people tend to feel very weak and therefore require a lot of energy. This is why mashed potatoes are essential and should be taken when lukewarm or cold to prevent wound irritation. This delicacy can also be served with extra toppings such as gravy, butter, and sour cream.
6. Apple Sauce
Instead of eating hard and crunchy apples, which are bound to cause severe damage to your wound, consider taking apple sauce. Made from skinless and cored apples, it is quite easy to prepare. It is also a great source of dietary fibre and vitamin C, which is known to boost the immune system.
7. Soups
These can be blended vegetable/fruits-based soups, chicken-noodle soup, or broth-based soups. Whichever the case, they keep you hydrated, contain adequate vitamins and minerals, and are an excellent alternative to the sugar-filled foods suggested for the post-surgery phase of tooth extraction.
8. Instant Oatmeal
Oats are quick snacks that are easy to eat and undoubtedly some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Instant oatmeals are less chunky as compared to other types and can be enriched with syrup, sugar or jams to create new and fun flavours.
9. Avocado
Unlike most fruits, avocados are low in carbs but high in healthy fats. They are highly nutritious and full of potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. Whipped or mashed avocados are preferred during the recovery process, while their flush and thick nature makes them great for your healing wounds.
After surgery, the first thing most of us want to do is heal properly, and as quickly and smoothly as possible. However, we often end up taking the wrong foods and consequently end up with serious complications. Following all the post-operative instructions provided by the dentist after a tooth extraction, coupled with the right diet such as the one listed above, can go a long way in aiding the healing process.
At the end of the day, you want to eat foods that not only help the healing process, but also those that do not cause further damage to the tooth extraction area and compromise the healing process.
