What To Eat After a Tooth Extraction

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Your child just had a tooth pulled, and now you’re wondering what they can eat without causing any pain or complications. 

Whether it was a single tooth extraction or wisdom teeth extraction, their mouth will be tender for a while, and the last thing you want is to disrupt their healing process.

With the right food choices, your child can enjoy their meals and recover smoothly. In this blog, we will go over what’s safe to eat and what to avoid after a tooth extraction.

Safe Foods to Eat After a Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction, your child’s mouth needs some extra care. The first 24 to 48 hours are important for forming a blood clot in the tooth socket, which is essential for proper healing. During this time, it’s best to stick to a soft food diet to avoid irritating the area.

Here are some soft foods that are gentle on your child’s healing gums:

• Greek yogurt: Smooth, creamy, and packed with protein—a great option for keeping their strength up.
• Cottage cheese: Another excellent source of protein that won’t bother the extraction site.
• Pureed soups: Consider pumpkin or lentil soups, which are both nutritious and easy to consume.
• Banana ice cream: Soft, cold, and delicious. The coldness can help soothe their mouth too.
• Soft fruits: Mashed bananas, avocados, or applesauce are perfect for keeping things easy on their teeth.
• Cream of wheat: A warm and comforting option that’s gentle on sensitive mouths.

Recommended Foods for Healing

As your child’s recovery process continues, focus on foods that promote healing and provide the nutrients their body needs. 

• Bone broths: Warm, nutritious, and easy to consume, offering essential vitamins and minerals.
• Blended soups: Blended vegetable soups are packed with nutrients and are easy to eat. Add lentils or beans for added protein. 
• Soft vegetables: Steamed and mashed veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes are easy on the gums and provide vital nutrients.
• Protein-rich foods: Add protein powder to smoothies for a boost without putting strain on their mouth.
• Dairy products: Comforting and rich in calcium, they’re great for overall oral health.

Foods to Avoid

Now, let’s discuss the foods to steer clear of—the ones that could slow down your child’s recovery or cause unnecessary pain. It will help prevent dry socket and other complications.

• Crunchy foods: Chips, nuts, or anything crunchy can get stuck in the extraction site and cause irritation.
• Spicy foods: These can irritate the gums and lead to discomfort, possibly increasing blood flow—a big no-no after surgery.
• Sticky foods: Chewy candies or anything that sticks to the teeth can disrupt the blood clot and delay healing.
• Acidic foods and juices: Citrus fruits like oranges can irritate the extraction site.
• Hot foods and beverages: Hot items can dissolve the blood clot, so stick to warm or cold options.
• Solid foods: Anything that requires chewing should be avoided for a few days.

Drink Up!

Staying hydrated is important for your child’s recovery, but you need to be careful about what they drink after a tooth extraction.

• Room temperature water: Too hot or too cold can cause discomfort. Try adding sugar-free flavors to make drinking water more appealing. 
• Warm bone broth: Full of nutrients and comforting to drink.
• Gatorade: Packed with electrolytes to help them stay hydrated
• Drinks to avoid: Carbonated and sugary drinks, hot beverages, energy drinks. 

Meal Ideas

Here are a few meal ideas you can prepare in advance:

• Breakfast:
  • Over-night oats with mashed banana or soft fruits 
  • Greek yogurt with honey and seedless fruit
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Protein smoothie
• Lunch:
  • Chicken or vegetable soup (pureed)
  • Mashed potatoes with gravy and peas
  • Turkey and cheese sandwich on soft bread
  • Pasta with canned tuna and tomato sauce
• Dinner:
  • Salmon patties with mashed sweet potatoes
  • Lentil soup
  • Pasta with butter and cheese sauce.

Tips for Comfortable Eating

• Small bites: Cut food into small pieces to make chewing easier.
• Slow and steady: Encourage your child to eat slowly and carefully.
• No straws please: Sucking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot.

Tooth Extraction for Kids in Phoenix, AZ

Recovering from a tooth extraction doesn’t have to mean bland or boring meals for your child. With a bit of planning, they can enjoy delicious foods that support their healing process and keep them comfortable. Remember to avoid anything too hot, spicy, or crunchy, and focus on soft, nutritious options that are gentle on their gums.

If you have any questions or need personalized advice for your child’s recovery, reach out to us at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry. 

Our experienced pediatric dentist, Dr. Henry Martinez, DMD has hospital privileges at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, so if your child needs extensive dental work, he can provide care in a hospital setting. He also accepts Medicaid insurance and is experienced in treating kids with special needs.

If you are searching for a ‘dentist near me that accepts Medicaid’ or the ‘best pediatric dentist in Phoenix, AZ’ we can help! Call (602) 935-7427 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form!