Want to know 50 soft foods to eat after tooth extraction? Keep reading!
Getting a tooth extraction is, in most cases, a fairly simple, quick and relatively painless procedure. Reasons for tooth removal may vary; from reasons such as decay, crossing, infection etc. After surgery, there are plenty of restrictions you have to follow to heal quickly and properly to be able to return to your normal life routine.
These restrictions and rules are recovery steps that is required of you as a patient and they are to be followed with adequate care and caution. One crucial step to your recovery journey is nutrition. That is, rules and restrictions about what you can and can not eat!
The right food choices post-surgery can very much affect your comfort level and the speed of your recovery. As a patient, you can adopt a restricted soft diet with the required nutrition but to do this, you have to first know the different types of soft foods available.
In this article, I’ll show you 50 soft foods to eat after a food extraction. Let’s dive in!!
What do I eat after a tooth extraction?
A commonly asked question among patients “post-surgery, is; what do I eat?
Because of the delicate state of the teeth after an invasive surgery such as a tooth extraction, it is often recommended to eat only soft foods. However, most soft food options available are usually limited, and you might have a difficult time creating a variety of meals to suit your tastes.
This is why we have taken the time to research 50 soft foods to eat after a tooth extraction.
50 Soft Foods To Eat After A Tooth Extraction Surgery
The following are 50 examples of soft foods, you can choose from in creating your diet. These foods are divided into the following five classes;
- Dairy
- Fruits
- Protein sources
- Vegetable
- Grains
• Dairy Products
Dairy products are foods made with (or containing) milk. The most common dairy products are cattle, water buffaloes, goats, and sheep products.
Here is the breakdown:
Source: Milk from animals such as cows, water buffalo, goats, and sheep.
Products: A wide variety of foods are made from milk, such as: Milk itself: It is made with paste in many ways (whole, low-fat, sliced) and sometimes, it is dazzling.
10 dairy products you could eat after a tooth extraction surgery include;
- Plain Yogurt
- Yogurt parfait (Layer it with easy-to-chew fruits and granola for quick and edible parfait).
- Greek yogurt
- Soft cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Cream soups (e.g. cream of mushrooms made with milk or cream.)
- Milk or milk drinks
- Milkshakes
- Custard
- Puddings made with milk or yogurt.
However, not every type of dairy product is tolerable for everyone. For instance, if you’re lactose intolerant then you cannot take dairy products containing lactose.
Lactose is a kind of sugar found in milk and milk products which is hard to digest in some people. So if you’re lactose intolerant, you can consider other options in the article.
• Fruit Variety
Fruits are the sweet and edible parts of plants. Five examples of fruits that you can include as part of your soft food diet after tooth extraction are:
- Applesauce: You can make applesauce from scratch or you can also buy it from the store. The store-bought type is also very good. If you want a healthier option, find one without sugar in it.
- Cooked fruits: Ripe, soft-peeled fruits, such as; Bananas, Peaches, Watermelon (very ripe), and Mangos. They contain fiber and antioxidants. So if you’re looking for something on the sweeter side but not so sugary, these fruits are what you should look out for.
- Smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits, milk, and ice cream in the blender to create a fruit smoothie.
- Avocados: Avocados have plenty of health benefits. You can add your avocados to smoothies, spread them on soft bread, or just eat them alone.
- Fruit juices: Drinking fruit juices are a great way for you to increase your energy and boost your immune system. Instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, choose a healthier option by taking 100% fruit juice.
• Protein Sources
Protein is a crucial building block for our bodies. It’s essential for cell growth, repair, and various bodily functions. To heal faster it is advised to eat foods containing a lot of proteins. Here are 10 sources of protein for a soft food diet after a tooth extraction surgery;
- Scrambled eggs
- Egg salad
- Poached eggs
- Well-cooked and flaked fish(salmon, cod),
- Ground meat (cooked soft).
- Tofu (mashed or scrambled)
- Soft protein shakes and protein powder for additional protein intake.
- Lentil soup
- Mashed beans
- Refried beans
• Vegetables
Vegetables are a vital source of vitamins which our bodies need to function properly. Here are vegetables options that forms a part of a soft foods diet that you can choose from after a tooth extraction surgery.
You can overcook your vegetables to make them easier to consume. Vegetables options include;
- Steamed Broccoli
- Roasted butternut squash
- Steamed Carrots
- Sweet potatoes cooked to be soft
- Mashed potatoes
- Vegetable salads
- Boiled Peas
- Steamed or boiled rutabaga
- Grated cucumber
- Peeled and mashed ripe tomatoes can be used in soups and stews
• Grains
Grains are a great source of carbohydrates and fiber. It is highly beneficial for healing due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
The examples of grains you can take as part your soft food diet after a tooth extraction surgery are:
- Rice pudding
- Softy-cooked pasta
- Softy-cooked macaroni
- Cooked quinoa
- Soft noodles
- Risotto
- Cream of wheat
- Oatmeal
- Polenta
- Bread
Table 1: Soft Foods Category After Tooth Extraction
| Category | Examples |
| Fruits (Mashed or Pureed) | Applesauce, Bananas, Mango, Papaya, Peaches, Pears |
| Vegetables (Cooked Soft) | Mashed potatoes, Butternut squash, Sweet potato, Avocado, Steamed broccoli, Green beans |
| Dairy Products | Yogurt (Greek, cottage cheese), Soft cheeses (ricotta, ricotta cheese), Milk, Pudding |
| Grains & Starches | Oatmeal, Cream of wheat, Soft bread (soaked), Pancakes (soft), Waffles (soft), Pasta (cooked well) |
| Proteins | Scrambled eggs, Soft-boiled eggs, Ground meat (chicken, turkey, beef), Tofu (silken), Fish (flaky) |
Here are other variety of food you could try,
Soups
1. Noodle soup
2. Chicken Soup
3. Vegetable soup
4. Tomatoes soup
5. Split pea soup
What Nutrients does your body need?
In recovery after a tooth extraction surgery, you should eat foods that contain all the nutrients that your body needs to recover quickly and to keep living healthy. The following are common categories of nutrients found in soft food diet:
- Protein: Protein helps your body build its tissue and to heal after a surgery. After a tooth extraction surgery, the body will need to recover and because of this, the protein nutrients are highly important in the building and repairing the body tissues.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals sources can be gotten in all foods, including soft diet foods, in varying quantity. If you’re eating a regular well-balanced diet will in most cases mean that you will not be needing vitamin supplements. However, if you think you require taking a supplement, consult your health physician on guidance as to what to take and what not to.
- Fat: Fat is the most concentrated source of calories.The degrees of consumption matters in that because of its concentrated nature, it can actually be harmful to you, if not taken the prerequisite guidance needed in including fat in your meal. It is however important as it is healthy to have some fat in your diet.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are concentrated in starches and in sugars. Most of the carbohydrates in your meal should come from starchy vegetables, (such as potatoes, green peas, and squash), whole grains, (such as oatmeal and brown rice), breads, pasta, cereals.
Cooking Techniques for Achieving the Desired Soft Texture
- Blending and Pureeing: Making use of blenders or food processors to make smooth textures for soups, sauces, and fruits.
- Steaming: Here you steam to soften the food, food such as vegetables. This is to make them easier to chew and digest.
- Boiling: cook your grains, pasta, and legumes until they are very soft and can easily mashed with a spoon or fork.
- Mashing: Transform vegetables, potatoes, or fruits into a soft consistency by mashing them completely.
- Slow Cooking: Use slow cookers to tenderize meats and create soft, flavorful dishes.
- Braising: This is when you cook the meat slowly in liquid to achieve tenderness while preserving its moisture.
- Pressure Cooking: Accelerate your cooking while maintaining the foods softness by the use of a pressure cooker.
- Cooking in Broth: Simmer foods in broth to enhance flavor and maintain moisture.
- Soaking in Milk or Broth: You should soak certain foods, like bread or grains, in milk or broth for added moisture and softness.
- Choosing Tender Cuts: Select tender cuts of meat to minimize the need for prolonged cooking times.
Table 2: Description of Soft Food Options After Tooth Extraction
| Food | Description |
| Applesauce (unsweetened) | A classic choice, provides vitamins and fiber. Choose unsweetened varieties. |
| Bananas | Rich in potassium and easy to digest. Mash for extra softness. |
| Yogurt (Greek or cottage cheese) | Provides protein and calcium. Greek yogurt is higher in protein. |
| Mashed potatoes | Comforting and filling. Opt for healthier versions with reduced butter and cheese. |
| Scrambled eggs | A good source of protein. Consider adding chopped vegetables for extra nutrients. |
| Soft bread (soaked) | Choose whole-wheat bread for added fiber. Soak in broth or milk for extra softness. |
| Cream of wheat | A warm and comforting breakfast option. Provides sustained energy. |
| Tofu (silken) | A versatile protein source. Can be enjoyed plain, mashed, or blended into smoothies. |
Conclusion
Tooth extraction is a simple surgery but can be a very painful process. This makes the dental areas to be very delicate. Therefore to heal properly and quickly, you follow certain rules and restrictions. Some of those restrictions pertains to your diet. It is pertinent then, that your diet is one that would not be harmful teeth. A doctor’s advise is important in planning and choosing this diet. We have provided a lot of options to choose from or at least inform your choices.
If you want to read more articles on your health, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do I have to eat delicate food after a tooth extraction?
The suggested span for a soft food diet normally goes from 3-7 days after a tooth extraction. In any case, this can change depending on the intricacy of the extraction and your own recuperating process. It’s ideal to ask your dental specialist for explicit direction on the length of your soft food diet.
2. Could I at any point drink beverages after a tooth extraction?
Indeed, you can drink beverages after a tooth extraction. Nonetheless, it’s vital to stay away from hot fluids and beverages that can bother the extraction site. Choose cool fluids milk, or clear broths. Stay away from carbonated beverages, liquor, and energy drinks for the first few days.
3. What if I experience pain while eating soft foods?
If you experience pain while eating soft foods, it’s important to stop immediately and contact your dentist. They can assess the situation and recommend pain management strategies or adjustments to your diet.
4. Are there any soft food varieties I ought to keep away from after a tooth extraction?
Sure, there are some soft food varieties you ought to stay away from after a tooth extraction. These include:
+ Spicy foods: Can disturb the extraction site and cause inconvenience.
+ Acidic foods: Citrus products or tomato-based food varieties can disturb the injury.
+ Tacky foods: Candy, caramels, or dried natural products can stick to the extraction site and be challenging to remove.
+ Crunchy foods: Chips, wafers, or dried vegetables can require hard biting and aggravate the extraction site.
+ Seeds and nuts: Can become held up in the extraction site and cause uneasiness.
5. How might I make my soft food diet more interesting?
While a soft food diet can feel restricting, there are ways of making it really fascinating:
+ Try different things with flavors: Add spices, flavors, or low-sodium seasonings to upgrade taste.
+ Vary textures: Pick an assortment of delicate food choices with various surfaces for added interest.
+ Get imaginative with presentations: Present your delicate food sources in outwardly engaging ways to make them more agreeable.