What to Eat After Tooth Extraction: A Simple Guide to Faster Healing
Getting a tooth extracted can be stressful. Whether it’s a wisdom tooth or a badly damaged molar, one question always arises: what can I eat now? The first few days after extraction are crucial for proper healing, and your diet plays a major role in minimizing pain, preventing infection, and avoiding complications like dry socket. After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty socket. This clot acts as a natural barrier, protecting the bone and nerves while new tissue grows. If it gets dislodged, you could end up with a dry socket, a painful condition that delays recovery. Protecting the clot is your number-one priority, and everything you eat or drink should support this goal. The First 24 to 48 Hours Stick to liquids and very soft foods during this period. Avoid anything hot, crunchy, or spicy as it can disrupt the clot. Safe options include mashed potatoes (lukewarm), plain yogurt or Greek yogurt, smoothies (without seeds or straws), soups and broths, applesauce or m...