What and How to Eat After Tooth Extraction to Minimize the Pain
Tooth extraction is not a complex procedure when done by a qualified dentist. However, the success of the treatment is largely depended on your aftercare practices. What you do after the teeth are removed will determine the length of the healing process and the complications that might develop. It is, therefore, important to follow the aftercare instructions given by our dentist in 33702. Among the important things to do is watch what you eat in the first few hours following the extraction.
How to Eat After an Extraction?
How you eat and chew your food is as important as what you eat. After the teeth are removed the gums are tender and sore, and it is important to handle the area with care to prevent pain and other complication. Therefore, when eating, use the opposite side to chew and do it slowly. Avoid using the treated area as food may get stuck and trapped in the gums, causing more problems.
In the first few hours, you may be taking liquid-based foods to minimize the pain. It is tempting to do it with a straw since it’s easier but don’t. Using a straw may dislodge the blood clot that forms on the socket. This will cause pain and also impair the healing process.
Avoid taking hot foods or drinks because it increases discomfort and makes it hard to eat properly.
What to Eat and Avoid After the Extraction?
The food you eat after extraction is crucial to your healing. There are several foods you need to eat and avoid to facilitate healing.
What to eat?
For at least 24 hours, eat the following:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Broths and blended soups
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Pudding
- Jell-O
- Ice creams
Cold foods like ice creams may relieve discomfort and prevent swelling. When choosing soft foods, make sure you go with the healthiest options in the category. Nutrition plays an important role in your healing process.
As you start to heal, you can start to add the other foods. Start with semi-solid foods and move up the ladder.
What to avoid?
Avoid these foods for a week or until your gums have healed:
- Acidic and spicy foods like citrus fruits and juices because cause irritation.
- Alcoholic beverages can negatively interact with the pain medication prescribed by the dentist.
- Hard and difficult-to chew foods can reopen the stitches and impair the healing process.
- Grains like rice and quinoa can get trapped in the gums.
Avoid tobacco for a minimum of 72 hours after the procedure because it increases the risk of complications.
What are the Other Aftercare Instructions?
Here are few things that can hasten the healing process:
- Take the pain medications as prescribed by our dentist in Petersburg, FL.
- Use a gauze pad for four hours after the procedure to stop the bleeding.
- Apply an ice pack or bag on the affected area for 10 minutes following the procedure to control the swelling.
- In the first 24 hours, do not rinse or spit to avoid dislodging the blood clot. After that, use warm saltwater.
- Rest and limit any activity for the next couple of days.
- Elevate your head when sleeping using a wedge pillow.
- Brush and floss teeth daily to prevent infection, but avoid the affected area.
Are There Complications?
Tooth extraction complications are not common, but they do occur. Some of the complications that may occur include:
- Dry sockets. These can occur if the blood clot does not form, or it gets dislodged. Blood clots are important to the healing process. If you accidentally break the clot, visit the dentist near you for treatment.
- Infections. An infection can be caused by food particles trapped in the socket. The infection can spread to the body and should be treated quickly.
- Nerve damage is rare, but it can develop. If nerve damage does develop, visit Dr. Eros Chaves for treatment.
Take Away
After the procedure, eat liquid and soft foods in the first 24 to 48 hours. As you start to heal, gradually add other foods to your diet. Visit Dental Arts Ninth Street for more information on aftercare practices.
