Teeth Extraction Aftercare: When To Eat And Brush After Tooth Extraction

Teeth Extraction Aftercare: When To Eat And Brush After Tooth Extraction

Aug 12, 2021

While permanent teeth are destined to last forever, there are times when tooth loss is inevitable. Common factors to consider for teeth extraction include dental trauma, periodontitis, and severe tooth decay. If your dentist has examined your oral condition and has concluded that you need a tooth extraction, it’s time to prepare for what that entails.

Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist can either perform a simple or surgical extraction. A simple extraction is ideal for a virtually visible tooth. If your tooth is severely decayed or complex to pull out, your dentist may have to cut through the gums to remove it. This procedure is called surgical extraction.

After either procedure, many things need to be considered in order for the area to heal as expected. For this reason, your dentist will give you a few tooth extraction aftercare instructions that must be adhered to for faster healing and recovery.

Otherwise, you risk the possibility of developing post-extraction complications such as severe bleeding, pain, or infection. To ensure that you don’t go wrong when caring for the extraction area, this article guides you through what to do and what not to do after extraction.

When to Eat After Tooth Extraction

Fortunately, you don’t need to starve after tooth extraction. However, how soon you can begin eating or drinking will depend on several factors. These may include:

  • The type of extraction used. For a surgical extraction, the area of extraction requires more time to heal than it is with a simple extraction. Besides, since surgery is involved, you may have to wait longer before eating or drinking anything.
  • After extraction side-effects. After tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience minimal pain, discomfort, or swelling. You may be unable to eat or drink until you find relief.

After extraction, the dentist recommends waiting for a few hours before eating. Your dentist will give you specific guidelines. Once you feel ready to consume anything, you should start with liquid and soft foods that require little to no chewing.

Also, avoid sucking of any kind as it can dislodge the clot, leading to more bleeding and pain. Similarly, avoid consuming too hot foods or drink as the high temperature can loosen up the clot or encourage blood flow around the wound, increasing the bleeding.

What to Eat After Extraction

If you’re doubting what to eat after teeth extraction, here are some types of foods that you can consider:

  1. Soup

Lukewarm soup is the best type of food to eat during the first days after an extraction. Soups are easy on your mouth and require little to no chewing. Make sure your soups are healthy and contain the necessary nutrients. Be careful not to eat hot soup as it can dislodge the clot, leading to complications.

  1. Yogurt

If you’ve had your tooth pulled out, yogurt would be a great breakfast or afternoon snack. Yogurt is light and contains probiotics, which are suitable for your digestion and immune system. Only eat plain yogurt that doesn’t contain fruit pieces.

  1. Eggs

Eggs are easy to make and soft to eat. Even better, they are rich in proteins and Vitamins A & B-12, which are good for your immune system.

  1. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another nutritious food to add to your diet if you’ve just had a tooth extraction. It’s best to have them together with a smooth soup.

  1. Oatmeal

Few days after tooth extraction, you can add more chewy foods such as oatmeal to your diet. Oatmeal is packed with vitamins, fiber, and minerals that will keep you full and energized.

What Not To Eat After Extraction

To promote faster healing and recovery, you should completely avoid the following foods and practices:

  • Spicy and chewy foods
  • Hard and sticky foods
  • Alcoholic foods
  • Tobacco products
  • Smoking or sucking
  • Crunchy foods

When to Brush After Teeth Extraction

Proper hygiene is essential after tooth extraction. Otherwise, you risk infection in the extraction area, which can cause further complications. To be safe, follow your dentist’s guidelines regarding flossing, brushing, and rinsing.

In the first 24 hours, completely avoid brushing or rinsing your mouth. After that, you can brush but avoid the extraction area completely. As well, don’t spit or swish mouthwash, water, or any oral care fluids in your mouth. Just lower your mouth to get rid of any liquids.

Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any side effects or complications after the extraction procedure. For teeth extraction aftercare services, contact Greenlake Dental or visit their dental office near 98103, Seattle.

Possible extraction complications include;

  • Severe pain
  • Fever
  • Dental extraction Infection
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe headache
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding that persist

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need more information on how to care for yourself after tooth extraction? Contact Greenlake Dental to speak with a tooth extraction dentist in Seattle.

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