After undergoing dental surgery, it is important to follow your dentist's post-operative instructions regarding what is acceptable to eat. Generally speaking, we recommend soft foods for 24 hours after the procedure. Avoid hot foods and drinks for several hours and don't use a straw for at least 24 hours. Although they can be extremely painful, not all unexpected dental problems require an emergency visit to a dentist.
Talk to a dentist about what foods are appropriate to eat after extraction surgery when you schedule the procedure. Michael has been practicing dentistry and performing dental surgery and dental implants in his hometown of Sarasota since 2001. Sarasota Dentistry has compiled a list of foods to eat after dental surgery, dental implants, or wisdom tooth extractions. Talk to a dental professional to learn more about what types of foods are and which are not safe to eat after a tooth has been extracted. When it comes to post-surgery nutrition, it is important to choose foods that are soft and easy to chew. This will help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
Some of the best foods to eat after dental surgery include:
- Soft fruits such as bananas, applesauce, and pears
- Soft cooked vegetables such as mashed potatoes or steamed spinach
- Soft cooked grains such as oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Soft cooked meats such as chicken, fish, or ground beef
- Yogurt or pudding
- Scrambled eggs
These include:
- Hard or crunchy foods such as chips or popcorn
- Sticky foods such as caramel or gum
- Spicy foods such as salsa or hot sauce
- Acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes