Soft Foods to Eat (and Avoid) After Tooth Extraction
By Dr. Jane Collins | November 30, 2025
Proper nutrition is essential for healing, but eating after an extraction can be tricky. You need to avoid chewing near the wound, and you must avoid certain textures that could disrupt the healing blood clot.
Here is your grocery list for a smooth recovery.
The 'Safe List' (Days 1-3)
Focus on cool, smooth foods that require no chewing. Cold foods also help reduce swelling.
- Yogurt (smooth, no granola)
- Applesauce
- Pudding or Jello
- Smoothies (SPOON ONLY - NO STRAWS)
- Ice Cream (without nuts or hard chunks)
- Mashed Potatoes (lukewarm, not hot)
- Broth-based soups (lukewarm)
Foods to Avoid (The Danger Zone)
Steer clear of these for at least a week to prevent dry socket and infection:
- Crunchy Foods: Chips, nuts, popcorn, and pretzels can break into sharp shards that poke the gums.
- Spicy Foods: Chili, salsa, or hot wings can irritate the open wound.
- Small Grains: Rice, quinoa, and seeds (like on strawberries) can easily get lodged in the extraction socket.
- Chewy Foods: Steak, jerky, or gummy candies put too much pressure on the jaw.
Returning to Normal
Around day 3 or 4, you can graduate to 'fork-tender' foods like scrambled eggs, soft pasta, pancakes, and flaky fish. By day 7-10, most people can return to their normal diet, though you should still be careful chewing directly on the extraction site.
Related Topics
- <a href='prevent-dry-socket'>How to Prevent Dry Socket After Extraction</a>
- <a href='wisdom-teeth-recovery'>Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect During Recovery</a>
- <a href='when-is-extraction-necessary'>When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?</a>