Having tooth extraction can be an uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, with some preparation and care, you can recover quickly. One of the most important things is eating the right foods, especially for breakfast. The proper breakfast foods can provide you the nutrition you need while being gentle on your sensitive mouth and gums.
Why breakfast is important after tooth extraction
Breakfast is always an important meal, but it is especially vital after having a tooth pulled. Here are some key reasons to focus on breakfast during your recovery:
- Provides energy and nutrients – After a tooth extraction, your body needs good nutrition to heal. Breakfast replenishes your body after fasting through the night.
- Avoids feeling lightheaded -Pain medication can sometimes cause lightheadedness or dizziness if you take it on an empty stomach. Eating breakfast helps minimize this side effect.
- Prevents nausea – Strong pain medication, anesthesia, and even morning grogginess can sometimes cause nausea. Eating something bland and nutritious can settle your stomach.
- Distracts from discomfort – Having a tooth pulled leaves your mouth sore. Eating gives you something to focus on other than the pain as you recover.
Foods to choose for breakfast after dental surgery
Here are some of the best options for the first few days after having a tooth extraction:
Oatmeal
A bowl of oatmeal is an ideal breakfast choice after oral surgery. Oatmeal contains fiber, B vitamins, iron, and other nutrients. It also has a soft, mushy texture that is easy to eat with a sore mouth. Avoid oatmeal with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for the first couple days because these can irritate the extraction site. Opt for plain or cinnamon oatmeal instead.
Smoothies
Drinking a smoothie is easier than chewing solid food when recovering from tooth extraction. To make a nutritious breakfast smoothie, blend Greek yogurt with your choice of fruit like bananas, berries, peaches, or mangos. You can also add spinach, milk, ground flaxseed, or protein powder. Avoid seeds or citrus fruits that could cause discomfort.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, which aids healing. Scrambled eggs are soft and unlikely to disturb the extraction site. An omelet with cheese and tender vegetables is also a good option. Stay away from fried eggs, sausage, bacon, and other greasy breakfast meats as they may cause pain.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is naturally smooth with a creamy texture that won’t irritate the surgery site. It provides protein as well as calcium for your teeth and bones. Top cottage cheese with sliced peaches, applesauce, or mashed banana for extra nutrition and flavor.
Avocado toast
Avocado toast is a tasty way to get anti-inflammatory healthy fats after oral surgery. Simply mash a ripe avocado and spread it on toasted bread or a bagel. Avoid toasting the bread too much since hard, crunchy food is difficult to chew. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and you have a simple, nourishing breakfast.
Applesauce
Applesauce contains antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C without an acidic pH that could irritate the mouth. Whether you choose sweetened or unsweetened, it has a smooth, mushy consistency that makes it one of the best breakfast foods to eat after dental work.
Banana
Bananas are naturally soft and full of nutrients. They are easy to chew and swallow after oral surgery. For extra protein, slice a banana over a bowl of Greek yogurt. Adding a spoonful of peanut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread also turns a banana into a more filling breakfast option.
Porridge
Like oatmeal, porridge offers a warm, soothing option in the morning after having a tooth pulled. Porridge is made from oats boiled in water or milk. Customize it with cinnamon, fruit, brown sugar, or other mild mix-ins once the worst soreness subsides.
Bread or toast
Bread and toast are great fallback options for breakfast after dental surgery. Stick to white bread or lightly toasted bread rather than hard rolls or crusty bread. Peanut butter, jam, honey, and mashed avocado are all simple toppings.
Foods to avoid after tooth extraction
While the breakfast foods listed above are good choices post-surgery, other items are too hard, chewy, acidic, or risky. Here are some breakfast foods to avoid after having a tooth taken out:
- Hard bacon or sausage – Cured breakfast meats require vigorous chewing so steer clear.
- Toast or bagels – The hard, chewy texture can disturb the extraction site.
- Hard cereals or granola – Anything crunchy is difficult to eat after surgery.
- Fresh fruits like oranges, grapefruit – Citrus fruits are too acidic.
- Nuts, seeds, coconut – Small hard pieces may get stuck in the wound.
- Crumbly pastries like muffins – Crumbs and small bits get into the extraction site.
- Very hot foods or drinks – Extraction sites are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Tips for eating breakfast after tooth extraction
Once you have chosen a suitable breakfast, keep these tips in mind as you eat to protect the area where your tooth was removed:
- Take small bites and chew slowly on the opposite side of your mouth. This prevents food particles from getting stuck in the wound.
- Cut food into tiny pieces to minimize chewing. You can even mash items like cooked eggs or potatoes.
- Avoid hard, crunchy foods that require pressure to bite through.
- If food does get stuck in the socket, carefully rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mouth moist and prevent irritation.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages which can cause sensitivity.
- Take any prescribed antibiotics or pain medications before eating to prevent nausea.
Sample breakfast menus after dental surgery
Based on the foods to choose and avoid, here are some sample easy breakfast menus for the first 1-3 days after having a tooth extracted:
Menu 1
- Cream of wheat or oatmeal porridge
- Sliced banana
- Decaf coffee or tea
Menu 2
- Scrambled egg mashed with melted cheese
- Well-mashed cooked potato
- Diced soft peach
- Water or milk
Menu 3
- Smoothie with Greek yogurt, milk, banana, and peanut butter
- Well-moistened white toast
- Apple juice diluted with water
Menu 4
- Cottage cheese mixed with apple sauce
- Oatmeal softened with milk, brown sugar, and butter
- Breakfast tea with honey
Menu 5
- Mashed avocado toast on soft bread
- Poached egg
- Fruit salad – bananas, peaches, mangos
- Milk
When to resume a normal diet after dental surgery
Once the first 24-48 hours have passed, you can slowly begin adding more solid foods back into your breakfast. By 5-7 days after the tooth extraction, you should be able to return to your normal balanced diet. However, everyone heals differently based on factors like:
- Which tooth was removed
- Level of discomfort
- Medications being taken
- Overall health
- Complications like infection or dry socket
Go slowly and only progress your diet according to how your mouth feels. Stop eating anything that causes bleeding, intense pain or discomfort. Stick to soft, vitamin and nutrient-rich foods as long as needed for your situation.
Conclusion
Eating the right breakfast foods promotes fast healing after tooth extraction surgery. Focus on options that are very soft, smooth, cool in temperature, nutritious and non-acidic. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, spicy, or greasy foods which could irritate the sensitive socket. With some preparation and care, you can keep your strength up while minimizing pain and discomfort. Within about a week, you should be ready to return to your normal healthy breakfast foods.
