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The Ultimate Guide To What You Shouldn’t Eat Or Drink After Tooth Extraction

By Arcade Dental / February 28, 2023

If you’re facing a tooth extraction, you’re probably wondering what you can and can’t eat or drink afterward. This guide will help you navigate the world of post-extraction eating and drinking so that you can heal quickly and without complications.

Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure. In most cases, they are performed on Wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing pain. However, tooth extractions can also be performed on other teeth that are damaged or decayed.

After your tooth has been extracted, it’s important to take care of yourself so that you can heal properly. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Avoid hard or crunchy foods for the first 24 hours. This includes nuts, chips, popcorn, etc. Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc.

2. Do not drink from a straw for at least 24 hours, as this can cause a dry socket (a condition where the blood clot that forms in the extraction site is dislodged).

3. Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 72 hours as they can contribute to dehydration and delay healing.

4. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid vigorous rinsing for at least 24 hours, as this can disrupt the blood clot that forms in the extraction site and lead to dry socket.

Types of Tooth Extractions

There are four types of tooth extraction treatments: simple, surgical, impacted, and decayed. 

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth and can be removed with forceps.

A surgical extraction is performed on a tooth that is not visible in the mouth and may require the removal of gum tissue or bone. 

An impacted tooth has not erupted through the gum line and may require the removal of gum tissue or bone to access it. 

A decayed tooth has extensive decay and can no longer be saved with a filling or other dental treatment.

What to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

After you have a tooth extracted, it’s important to avoid certain foods and drinks that could cause complications. Here are some things to avoid after tooth extraction:

• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and swelling. Consuming alcohol is not good while you have a tooth extracted.

• Hot drinks: Avoid hot drinks for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction as they can cause pain and bleeding.

• Spicy food: Spicy food can also irritate the extraction site and should be avoided for a day or two.

• Hard food: Eating hard food can loosen the blood clot that forms at the extraction site and lead to dry socket. Wait until the area has healed before eating anything crunchy or chewy.

Tips for a Faster Recovery

1. Avoid drinking hot beverages or using a straw for the first 24 hours. This can cause the blood clot that forms to become dislodged, which can lead to increased bleeding and a longer recovery time.

2. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or chewy foods for at least a week. This will give your extraction site time to heal and help reduce the risk of infection.

3. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day. This will help keep the area clean and free of debris.

4. Take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. This will help control any discomfort you may experience during the healing process.

5. Apply an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes to help reduce swelling and pain around the tooth extraction site.

Conclusion

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of what to avoid eating or drinking after having a tooth extracted. By following the guidelines listed, you can ensure that your recovery goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. It is always important to consult your dentist if you have any questions regarding what foods are safe for consumption after tooth extraction. Taking care of your teeth is essential to maintaining good oral health, so take the necessary steps to keep them healthy!

FAQs:

Q: Can I eat crunchy food after tooth extraction?

A: No, it’s best to avoid crunchy and chewy foods after tooth extraction. Instead, opt for soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup.

Q: Can I drink alcohol after tooth extraction?

A: No, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction. Alcohol can slow down the healing process and may cause excessive bleeding.

Q: Can I brush my teeth after tooth extraction?

A: No, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before brushing your teeth after tooth extraction. This will give your gums time to heal and will help prevent infection.