Knowing what foods to eat and how to care for yourself immediately after tooth extraction is the key to a fast and successful recovery.
Day 1–2 Post Extraction: Keep It Soft and Smooth
Choose foods that don’t need much chewing and won’t bother the area. Think pudding, scrambled eggs, and smoothies with a spoon (no straw).
Day 2–3: Switch to Softer Solid Foods
By day two or three, you can add softer solids, such as baked fish, tender chicken, steamed veggies, ripe bananas. Avoid very hot or spicy foods that can irritate the area. Chew on the opposite side.
Staying hydrated is important, so drink plenty of water. Skip alcohol for 48–72 hours.
General Post-Extraction Guidelines
Protect the clot to prevent dry socket:
- No straws, smoking, or vaping for 72 hours
- Don’t swish hard, spit forcefully, or poke the area
- Keep gauze in place with firm bite pressure as directed
Clean gently:
- Brush and floss the rest of your mouth the same day
- After 24 hours, start gentle warm salt-water rinses two to three times daily.
Manage soreness and swelling:
- Take over-the-counter or prescription meds as directed
- Ice outside your cheek for 15 minutes on and off for the first day
- Take it easy. No heavy lifting, sports, or bending for 48–72 hours
Call Us with Your Tooth Extraction Questions
If you have questions about tooth extraction and want to schedule an appointment, please call our Indianapolis, IN, dental office at (317) 899-1100.