While tooth extraction is a relatively straightforward procedure, it is essential to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions following surgery. In addition to resting, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking OTC medication, your dentist may recommend modifying your diet.
During your extraction recovery, avoid foods that may cause damage to the surgical site, like crunchy, hard, or crumbly foods. Your dentist will likely recommend that you stick to a diet of soft, easy-to-eat foods for up to a week after your procedure.
Since getting the nutrients you need for recovery while on a limited diet can be difficult, here is a list of some recommended foods to eat after tooth extraction.
Scrambled Eggs
Each large egg contains 6 grams of protein, a vital nutrient for proper tissue repair and building. Eggs are also one of the only natural food sources to contain Vitamin D, which plays a role in fighting inflammation and maintaining healthy bones.
Another benefit of eggs is their easy preparation. Eggs can be scrambled in less than 10 minutes, making them ideal for a nutritious breakfast or a quick midday meal while recovering.
Mashed Avocados
Avocados contain micronutrients, including Vitamin K, which plays a vital role in bone health. Research has also shown that avocados may possess antimicrobial properties, helping your body fight infection after surgery.
Protein Shakes
One 31-gram scoop of unflavored whey protein contains 24 grams of protein, almost half the recommended daily intake, and just 110 calories. This helps ensure your protein intake is adequate as you recover. Studies have found that regular whey protein intake can reduce inflammation.
Whey protein is simple to prepare: mix one scoop of the powder in a large glass of milk or water, stir, and enjoy!
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a fantastic addition to a post-surgery diet and can be used as a base for soup or sipped as a beverage.
One cup of beef bone broth contains just 31 calories but supplies your body with 5 grams of protein and nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium. It also contains gelatin and collagen, which help your body build and maintain healthy soft tissue and bones.
Braised Meat and Soft Fish
Both meat and fish provide high levels of protein and micronutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients assist the body’s natural healing process and can reduce recovery time.
Braising is an ideal cooking method for making meat and fish soft and easy to eat after surgery. To braise meat, sear it in a small amount of oil, add liquid (like bone broth), lower the heat, and allow it to simmer until soft.
Support Your Recovery After Tooth Extraction
If you include these recommended foods in your post-surgery diet, you can ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients while allowing your extraction site time to recover.
A Dental Place provides compassionate dental care to patients before, during, and after surgery. If you have a damaged tooth and are experiencing tooth sensitivity and think you may need root canal therapy, other restorative treatment, or even tooth extraction, contact us for a consultation today.
Our dental team will do everything possible to save your natural tooth, but in the event of a tooth extraction, we will ensure you know all your options for restoring your smile and self-confidence.
