Why No Dairy After Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are only performed when your dentist determines that they are beneficial. Once a tooth is removed, you will experience swelling, tenderness, and bleeding. It takes several days for your gums and mouth to heal. During this period, it is crucial to eat the right foods. Read on to know which foods to eat and which to avoid after tooth extraction near you.

What Are Tooth Extractions?

A dentist performs these procedures to remove a tooth from its alveolar socket. They occur when a tooth is severely decayed, injured, or impacted. Extractions may also be necessary before orthodontics or as part of periodontal therapy.

Tooth extraction in Colonia, Woodbridge Township, NJ, can involve a simple or surgical procedure. Simple tooth extractions are done when a significant part of the tooth is visible above the gums. A surgical extraction occurs when a tooth is impacted or too damaged to grasp with dental tools. Both processes are quick, comfortable, and pain-free.

Why a Post-extraction Diet Is Necessary

You cannot resume your regular diet after surgical or simple tooth removal. It is because your gums will be swollen and tender. This will make it difficult to chew certain foods. The area around the wound will be prone to irritation. Therefore, avoiding hot, acidic, and spicy things is prudent.

Another reason is food particles can enter the wound and affect the blood clot. This will cause intense pain and may lead to dry socket conditions. In addition, some foods or beverages can interfere with the blood clot causing excessive bleeding.

Suitable Foods After a Dental Extraction

After your dental extraction, you may look forward to resuming your usual diet. However, it is not possible to enjoy your favorite foods right away. You must consume a liquid or soft diet for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Doing so will help you avoid excess pain, discomfort, irritation, and blood clot dislodging.

In the first 24 hours, you can consume nutritious smoothies, pudding, jell-O, and cold soups. Although most of them are liquid, do not use a drinking straw. The sucking pressure can displace the blood clot lengthening the healing time.

After 24 hours, you can take the following:

• Eggs and omelettes
• Mashed potatoes
• Ground meat such as chicken, lamb, or beef
• Oatmeal
• Sweet potatoes
• Pancakes
• Broth without large pieces of meat

When chewing, use the side of your mouth opposite the socket wound. This reduces the risk of food particles reaching the socket. Consequently, you will prevent possible pain, dry socket, and inflammation. Introduce less soft foods to your diet as you heal.

Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

Eating certain foods after undergoing tooth extraction may delay or inhibit healing. So, you should avoid consuming some foods after a dental extraction in Colonia, Woodbridge Township, NJ. Foods and beverages not to take following teeth removal are:

• Hard, crunchy, or brittle foods such as nuts, seeds, chips, crisps, and popcorn.
• Acidic foods like lemons, oranges, and tomatoes
• Spicy foods like salsa, curries, and chilies
• Alcohol since it can affect certain medications adversely and delay healing
• Dairy products include cow’s milk, yogurt, milkshakes, and cheese.
• Chewy and tough foods like red meat and raw vegetables
• Sticky foods like caramel and toffee apples

Why Avoid Dairy Products After a Tooth Extraction?

Dentists recommend taking soft, easy-to-chew foods after a dental extraction. They also advise patients to consume foods and beverages high in protein. Dairy products are protein-filled and easy to chew. However, dentists request that patients not consume them after teeth removal for various reasons.

During an extraction, the dentist will administer an anesthetic. They will then prescribe pain medications afterward. These help prevent or manage pain, making the process bearable. However, combining dairy products with anesthesia and pain medicines triggers nausea and vomiting. Vomiting can dislodge the blood clot resulting in severe pain and a dry socket.

You should also avoid dairy products as they cause an inflammatory response in the mouth. This can lead to serious oral infections that delay or inhibit healing. Therefore, avoid dairy products for the duration your dentist recommends or until the wound heals.

Do you have an infected or damaged tooth and are considering having a dental extraction? Then contact us at Colonia Dental Associates to schedule a dentist appointment. Our team of dentists will guide you, ensuring you are comfortable and recover fast.