Getting a tooth extracted can be an uncomfortable experience. After the procedure, you may be wondering when you can return to your normal diet, including eating meat. The timeline for eating meat again depends on several factors related to your specific case. In this article, we’ll explore the general guidelines around starting to eat meat after a tooth extraction.
Why do dentists recommend a soft food diet after extractions?
After a tooth extraction, dentists typically recommend sticking to a soft food diet for a period of time before transitioning back to normal foods. There are a few reasons for this:
- Avoids dislodging the blood clot – After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket to begin the healing process. Hard or crunchy foods could dislodge this clot and delay healing.
- Prevents pain and swelling – Chewing hard or dense foods right after an extraction can cause pain and swelling at the site. Soft foods are less likely to irritate the area.
- Allows healing – The extraction site needs time to begin healing before coping with the chewing forces of dense foods. A soft food diet gives the area a chance to start recovering.
Following a soft food diet for the first 24-48 hours allows protective clot formation and reduces irritation to the surgical site. After this initial healing phase, the diet can be advanced slowly back to normal.
How long should I avoid meat after an extraction?
There is no set timeline that applies to everyone for avoiding meat after extractions. The length of time will depend on:
- Number and type of teeth extracted – Extracting impacted wisdom teeth or multiple teeth may require a longer healing period than a single simple extraction.
- Overall health – Patients who are medically compromised or take certain medications may need to avoid irritants like meat for a longer period of time.
- Complications – Development of a dry socket or infection at the site will also prolong the soft foods diet.
- Dentist recommendation – Your specific dentist will provide guidance tailored to your situation about when you can add meat back to your diet.
That said, here are some general timelines that many dentists recommend for avoiding meat after extractions:
- 24 hours – Stick to clear liquids like water, juice and broth. Absolutely no solid foods during the first 24 hours.
- 3 days – Slowly advance diet starting with soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, instant oatmeal or scrambled eggs. Avoid meat, nuts, seeds, chips, popcorn etc.
- 7-10 days – Continue to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy foods. Meat and other dense proteins may be added back during this time if tolerated well.
- 2 weeks – Most patients can resume a normal diet by two weeks after an extraction. Get dentist’s approval before advancing diet if healing is delayed.
What types of meat can I eat?
When your dentist gives the go-ahead to start reintroducing meat, begin with soft, tender meats that are easy to chew. Some good options include:
- Ground meat – Ground beef, turkey or chicken are soft and easy to chew.
- Shredded meat – Shredded BBQ pork or chicken provide texture without too much chewing.
- Soups and stews – Meat chopped into small pieces works well in soups or stews.
- Eggs – Soft, scrambled eggs are a good lean protein source.
- Canned fish – Try tuna, salmon or other soft canned fish.
- Baked or stewed meat – Casserole dishes or slow cooked meats that are very tender.
Avoid chewy, crunchy or crispy meats like:
- Steak, chops
- Fried chicken
- Ribs
- Deli meats
- Bacon
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Jerky
These dense, fibrous meats require more prolonged chewing which could irritate the healing extraction site.
How do I know if I can handle meat?
When reintroducing meat to your diet after an extraction, take it slow. Chew carefully and assess your symptoms:
- Pain – Sharp pain when chewing meat likely means you advanced too quickly. Scale back to softer foods.
- Bleeding – Bleeding from the socket could indicate the blood clot has been dislodged.
- Swelling – Increased swelling around the site may occur from irritation.
- Discomfort – General tenderness or discomfort at the extraction area is a sign to stick with soft foods a bit longer.
If any of these symptoms occur, hold off on meat and other hard foods until the area has had more time to heal without irritation. Let pain and discomfort guide you. Always check with your dentist if severe symptoms develop.
Tips for advancing diet after an extraction
To safely work meat back into your meals after a dental extraction, keep these tips in mind:
- Cut meat into small pieces to minimize chewing.
- Avoid very hot temperatures right away. Warm or room temperature foods are ideal.
- Take small bites of meat and chew deliberately on the side opposite the extraction.
- Choose ground, shredded, stewed or canned meats to start. Build up to tougher cuts.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water, broths or electrolyte beverages.
- Rinse your mouth gently after eating to keep food debris out of the socket.
- Ask your dentist when it’s safe to stop taking any prescribed pain medications.
- Follow up with your dentist if you have any concerns about healing.
Foods to eat during the first weeks of healing
During the first 24-48 hours, stick strictly to a liquid diet. After that, you can gradually add in soft, nutritious foods over the next few weeks as you recover. Some good options include:
Dairy
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Pudding
- Custard
Fruits and Vegetables
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked carrots
- Bananas
- Peas
- Beans
Grains
- Cooked pasta
- Rice
- Oatmeal
- Grits
- Cream of Wheat
Proteins
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Cottage cheese
- Canned tuna/salmon
- Beans
- Smooth nut butters
Miscellaneous
- Broth and soups
- Jell-o
- Popsicles
- Protein shakes
- Smoothies
Sample meal plans
Here are some sample meal plans for the first few days after an extraction while following a soft food diet:
Day 1
- Breakfast: yogurt smoothie with banana, protein powder, milk
- Lunch: chicken noodle soup, saltine crackers, pudding
- Dinner: scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, applesauce
Day 2
- Breakfast: oatmeal with milk, scrambled eggs
- Lunch: macaroni and cheese, cooked carrots, juice
- Dinner: cottage cheese, peach slices, mashed potatoes
Day 3
- Breakfast: banana, peanut butter toast, yogurt
- Lunch: tuna salad sandwich, soup, pudding
- Dinner: ground turkey in gravy over rice, cooked green beans
When to see your dentist
Contact your dentist right away if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent bleeding from the extraction site
- Increasing pain or swelling that medication does not relieve
- Fever over 101 F
- Numbness or tingling around the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad breath or foul taste in your mouth
These could indicate problems like dry socket or infection that require immediate treatment. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist with any concerns during the healing process.
Conclusion
After getting a tooth pulled, sticking to soft, nutritious foods can help promote comfortable and timely healing. Most dentists recommend avoiding meat and other hard foods for at least the first 3 days, and up to 2 weeks after an extraction depending on your unique situation. Pay attention to your body and ease meat back into your diet slowly, starting with ground meats. With proper care, you can safely enjoy your favorite meaty meals again once healing is complete.
