Getting a tooth pulled—especially a wisdom tooth—can feel a little scary, but the recovery doesn’t have to be. One of the most important parts of healing is knowing what to eat after your tooth extraction.
The right foods can help speed up recovery, while the wrong ones can slow it down or even cause complications.
Whether you’re recovering from a simple tooth removal or a wisdom teeth extraction, this guide will walk you through:
- The best foods to eat after tooth extraction
- What foods to avoid
- When it’s safe to eat solid foods again
- Answers to common questions about eating after tooth removal
Let’s get into it!
100 Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal, your mouth will be sensitive. You’ll need soft, easy-to-chew foods that don’t require much effort. These foods should be cool or room temperature (not hot!) and rich in nutrients to support healing.
Here’s a list of 100 safe foods to enjoy during your recovery:
Dairy🍦
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Soft cheese (like brie)
- Milk
- Ice cream (no chunks)
- Milkshakes (without straws)
- Smoothies (no seeds, no straws)
- Pudding
- Flan
- Custard
Fruits (blended or soft) 🥑
- Applesauce
- Mashed bananas
- Avocado
- Watermelon (without seeds)
- Canned peaches
- Mashed mango
- Smoothie bowls
- Fruit puree
- Pears (soft or canned)
- Mashed papaya
Vegetables (cooked and mashed) 🥔
- Mashed potatoes
- Creamed spinach
- Mashed carrots
- Pumpkin puree
- Squash
- Avocado mash
- Sweet potato mash
- Zucchini (well-cooked)
- Broccoli (blended)
- Cauliflower mash
Grains & carbs 🍝
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Grits
- Rice pudding
- Mashed quinoa
- Soft pasta
- Mac and cheese (very soft)
- Polenta
- Soft bread soaked in broth
Proteins 🍳
- Scrambled eggs
- Boiled eggs (mashed)
- Tofu
- Chicken broth
- Bone broth
- Lentil soup (blended)
- Egg salad (soft)
- Beans (refried or mashed)
- Hummus
- Soft fish like tilapia (shredded)
Soups (blended)🥫
- Tomato soup
- Cream of mushroom
- Cream of chicken
- Broccoli cheddar (blended)
- Potato leek soup
- Butternut squash soup
- Chicken noodle (strained)
- Carrot ginger soup
- Lentil soup (smooth)
- Pea soup
Desserts & sweets 🥞
- Jello
- Sorbet
- Popsicles
- Banana bread (soft, no nuts)
- Soft sponge cake
- Rice pudding
- Tapioca
- Angel food cake
- Soft crepes
- Pancakes (with syrup, no crust)
Drinks🧋
- Water
- Coconut water
- Electrolyte drinks (low sugar)
- Herbal tea (lukewarm)
- Milk
- Protein shakes (no straw)
- Fruit juices (no pulp)
- Vegetable juices (strained)
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
Snacks 🧁
- Soft granola (soaked in milk)
- Oat bars (moist)
- Rice cakes (soaked)
- Pita bread (softened)
- Avocado toast (soft bread)
- Cream cheese on soft bagel
- Applesauce pouches
- Mashed peaches
- Soft muffins
- Steamed dumplings
Miscellaneous 🧈
- Soft tortillas
- Bread pudding
- Egg drop soup
- Smooth nut butters
- Cheese sauce
- Cooked polenta
- Silken tofu
- Greek yogurt with honey
- Cream cheese dips
- Mashed plantains
50 Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to avoid foods that can hurt your healing gums or cause complications like dry socket. These include crunchy, chewy, spicy, and sticky foods, as well as anything that can get stuck in the extraction site.
Here’s a breakdown of 50 foods you should avoid:
Crunchy or hard foods 🥜
These can break into sharp pieces and hurt the healing area:
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Hard tacos
- Granola
- Toast
- Crusty bread
- Raw vegetables (like carrots or celery)
Chewy or tough foods 🥯
Chewy foods can stress the extraction site and slow healing:
- Steak
- Jerky
- Bagels
- Hard bread
- Pizza crust
- French fries (crispy edges)
- Tortilla chips
- Fried chicken
- Fried foods (with crunchy coating)
- Baguette
Sticky or sugary foods 🍬
Sticky foods can pull at the wound or get lodged in it:
- Caramel
- Chewing gum
- Taffy
- Sticky rice
- Candy (especially gummy types)
- Sugary cereal
- Dried fruit (like raisins)
- Marshmallows
- Peanut brittle
- Energy bars with caramel or nuts
Spicy or acidic foods 🌶
These can irritate the wound and cause discomfort or slow healing:
- Hot sauce
- Spicy salsa
- Spicy ramen
- Tomato sauce (especially spicy)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes)
- Pineapple
- Vinegar-based foods
- Jalapeños
- Curry dishes
- Spicy chips
Beverages to avoid ☕️
Certain drinks can cause irritation or create suction that dislodges the clot:
- Soda
- Carbonated drinks (sparkling water, etc.)
- Alcohol
- Coffee (especially hot)
- Energy drinks
- Hot tea
- Milkshakes (if consumed with a straw)
- Smoothies (if consumed with a straw)
- Citrus juice (orange juice, lemonade)
- Iced coffee (with a straw)
When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?
Every mouth is different, but most people can return to solid foods within 7 to 10 days after a tooth extraction. Healing from wisdom teeth removal may take a little longer, depending on how complex the procedure was.
First 24 hours:
Stick to liquids and very soft foods like broths, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies (no straws).
Day 2–3:
You can continue with soft foods like eggs, oatmeal, and soups. Avoid chewing near the extraction site.
Day 4–7:
Begin introducing more variety, but still avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or spicy. Pasta, soft rice, and mashed veggies are okay.
After 7 days:
You may start reintroducing some solid foods depending on your comfort level. Be gentle, chew on the opposite side, and go slow.
Important: Follow your dentist’s advice. If you had multiple extractions or wisdom teeth removal, you may need more time.
Common Questions
How soon can I eat ice cream after a tooth extraction?
You can eat ice cream right after the procedure as long as it’s soft (no nuts or candy) and not too cold. It can help reduce swelling—but don’t overdo it, and avoid using a straw.
How long after tooth extraction can I use a straw?
Avoid straws for at least 7–10 days. Suction from using a straw can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket, a painful complication.
Can I eat 3 hours after tooth extraction?
It’s best to wait at least a few hours or until your dentist gives the okay. Usually, you can start with soft foods once the bleeding stops and the anesthesia wears off—around 3–4 hours after surgery.
Can I drink water after a tooth extraction?
Yes! Drinking water is encouraged and helps with healing. Just sip gently and avoid swishing or using a straw.
Take Care of Your Mouth, One Bite at a Time
If you’re looking for expert dental care that’s also affordable, Somos Dental has your back. Also, we offer flexible payment plans, and you don’t need insuyrance.
You can visit us at any of our clinics in Phoenix or Dallas.
Phoenix:
Your smile heals better with the right diet.
Have questions? Give us a call at 623-869-1091 or use our online form to book a FREE CONSULTATION. We’re also available on WhatsApp, Messenger, and SMS!
Eating right after a tooth extraction—especially wisdom teeth removal—can make a big difference in your recovery. Stick with soft, nutritious foods, avoid anything crunchy or spicy, and listen to your body.
Smile more, pay less.
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