What to Eat After a Tooth Extraction? Here's 10 Choices

Are you wondering what to eat after a tooth extraction? Maybe some delicious soft foods such as ice cream and instant oatmeal to eat after wisdom teeth removal? Mmm... comfort food...

We've got you covered here. After a wisdom teeth surgery, your oral surgeon will explain that there are certain foods to avoid, especially patients with medical history. Having a wisdom tooth removed is no fun, especially for spicy foods lovers. But there are ways to alleviate pain, Dry socket, and also reduce swelling such as applying an ice pack to the affected area, and keeping your head elevated. Just follow recommendations espoused by our dental practice , and you'll be all better in no time.

A word of advice, though, before we list our favorite soft foods: either go shopping before the oral surgery or send a list for someone else. Everyone just wants to fall asleep after wisdom teeth surgery, especially if a local anesthetic was used.

Remember, we said comfort food, right? So, what we've listed here are things you might crave when your teeth are fine--but wouldn't think of for everyday eating. The first is a good example.

1. Ramen

Yup, that's right--your old starving student fallback food. It's salty, mostly broth, and the noodles are so soft you can swallow them whole even if you can't chew them. Make sure to wait for it to cooldown, as hot food can also induce pain.

And when you're feeling better, check out some actual ramen recipes. These will satisfy any craving you rekindled, only this time with some added nutrients.

2. Greek Yogurt

Speaking of nutrition, though... This is the real thing. Greek yogurt is good for a lot of things that might be ailing you. And you can dress it up a bit with jam or mashed bananas.

And here's an idea: How about a PB&J yogurt smoothie? Be sure you use creamy peanut butter and seedless jam. We might be on to something here! Look for more Greek yogurt recipes here that might appeal to your sore mouth.

3. Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are one of the classic soft foods to eat. Of course, they're good on their own. We like them with Swiss cheese mixed in. If you want to make them "Florentine style," why not add some chopped spinach along with the cheese?

The eggs needn't be scrambled either. You can make hard-boiled or deviled eggs too. Or you can just make egg salad. Here's a good egg salad recipe. It has to be good--the chefs who came up with it call it "the best."

4. Pudding

Pudding is so easy to make. Even some of the best-looking puddings, ones with mouthwatering descriptions, aren't hard to make. The cooking process is what gives pudding its great features.

Here are some possible recipes in case someone in your house is a decent cook. Otherwise, you can always get the instant kind and put some nutmeg and/or whipped cream on it.

5. Cake

Most supermarket bakeries sell cake by the slice--and in lots of different soft varieties. How about cheesecake? You do need to keep up your strength, don't you?

But don't eat too much sweet stuff while you're recuperating. Remember, you still have your remaining teeth to think of.

And if you just want something a bit lighter, you can always grab an angel food cake and eat it with some fruit sauce and whipped cream.

6. Hummus

Hummus is good if you want to eat it with a spoon. It's doubtful your mouth would be ready for veggies or pita bread for dipping. Maybe spread it on some soft bread or a rice cake? Hummus adds flavor and texture to practically anything.

You could also eat the hummus with some crumbled falafel and maybe some feta. Thinking about it, this sounds pretty good.

7. Puréed Soup

This is a great "make-ahead" opportunity. What about pureed cream of broccoli? As long as it's pureed, you can mix in some other veggies as well. An onion would add a little flavor. Maybe some Parmesan cheese or nutmeg as a garnish?

And we're big fans of butternut squash soup in warm water.

Here's a tasty-looking recipe. You might consider adding a bit of curry powder or garam masala to it as well for extra flavor.

8. Couscous

You probably already know that couscous will absorb the flavor of whatever you mix with it. Feel free to add whatever flavor appeals to you. But if you want a good recipe, try this one for Pine Nut & Scallion Couscous.

The pine nuts will soften, but we recommend chopping them a bit before adding them. You might chop the raisins as well.

9. Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Cheddar

If you like your mashed potatoes with the skins on, that might need to wait until a better time. But for a healing mouth, peeled and mashed potatoes would be just terrific.

We like to mash them by hand with a little butter, salt and pepper, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cheddar cheese, and possibly some finely chopped scallions

10. Flounder

When you start feeling better, you'll want some "normal" food. A good way to start is with sautéed flounder. It has substance and flavor, but it's so soft that it can be hard to get out of the pan without it breaking apart.

Sauté the flounder with salt and pepper, lemon, butter, and maybe some parsley. It would be good with the mashed potatoes mentioned above and perhaps some chopped spinach as well.

You know, the worst-kept secret to soft food is the blender or the food processor, Most of what you enjoy eating ordinarily can be mashed, pulverized, or puréed and taste every bit as good as it does otherwise.

Even cake with whipped cream or frosting can be eaten this way without changing a single thing.

We hope your tooth extraction turned out all right and you're fully recovered. We hope also that we were able to give you some good ideas for what to eat after a tooth extraction.

With all those soft foods to eat, we're guessing you couldn't wait to get back to your usual diet.

Hang on to our list and suggestions, though, since you or someone you know might have a dental procedure coming up in the near future.

If we did our usual good quality work with your tooth extraction, that's great! Contact us if you need anything else or would like to schedule a dental check-up with us.