Introduction
When you’ve just had a tooth pulled whether it’s a simple extraction or wisdom tooth surgery your mouth needs time to heal. During this recovery period, eating can be tricky, and knowing what soft foods to eat after tooth extraction becomes essential.
The goal is to avoid irritating the healing area while still getting enough nutrients to recover quickly. Luckily, there are plenty of good soft foods to eat after tooth extraction that are delicious, easy to prepare, and gentle on your gums.
In this article, we’ll share a comprehensive list of 50 soft foods to eat after a tooth extraction, plus tips on what to avoid, and answers to common questions like how long to eat soft foods after wisdom tooth extraction.
Why Soft Foods Are Important After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, your gums form a blood clot in the empty socket. This clot protects the bone and nerves underneath as your mouth heals.
Chewing hard or crunchy foods too soon can dislodge the clot, causing pain and a condition called “dry socket.”
That’s why dental soft foods to eat after tooth extraction are vital they let your body heal without strain while still keeping you nourished.
50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Here’s a complete list of soft food to eat after tooth extraction, organized by category to make meal planning easier.
🥣 Smooth and Creamy Foods
These are gentle, nutritious, and perfect for the first few days after surgery:
- Mashed potatoes
- Creamy oatmeal
- Yogurt (plain or Greek)
- Applesauce
- Pudding or custard
- Smoothies (without seeds or chunks)
- Cottage cheese
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed avocado
- Cream of wheat
🍲 Soups and Broths
Warm (not hot!) soups help you stay hydrated and nourished:
11. Tomato soup
12. Chicken broth
13. Cream of mushroom soup
14. Butternut squash soup
15. Lentil soup (pureed)
16. Bone broth
17. Potato leek soup
18. Vegetable puree soup
19. Carrot soup
20. Pumpkin soup
(Pro tip: Check out our Tomato Soup Recipe for Canning for a homemade, soft and healing option!)
🍝 Soft Main Dishes
These foods are easy to chew and packed with protein for recovery:
21. Macaroni and cheese
22. Soft pasta with creamy sauce
23. Risotto
24. Mashed sweet potatoes
25. Polenta
26. Baked fish (flaky and soft)
27. Soft tofu
28. Ground chicken or turkey with gravy
29. Soft scrambled eggs with cheese
30. Steamed or pureed vegetables
🍌 Fruit and Dessert Options
When you’re craving something sweet but gentle, try these:
31. Ripe bananas
32. Stewed apples or pears
33. Soft canned peaches
34. Fruit smoothies (no seeds)
35. Gelatin desserts (Jell-O)
36. Mousse or light cheesecake
37. Rice pudding
38. Tapioca pudding
39. Frozen yogurt (slightly melted)
40. Soft pancakes or crepes
🥛 Protein & Dairy Options
Protein helps your body repair tissues and heal faster:
41. Protein shakes (made with milk or non-dairy alternatives)
42. Soft scrambled eggs
43. Greek yogurt
44. Cottage cheese
45. Smooth nut butters (avoid chunky varieties)
46. Soft cheese spreads
47. Milk-based soups
48. Silken tofu
49. Custard
50. Whey protein smoothies
What to Avoid After a Tooth Extraction
While healing, stay away from foods that can irritate the extraction site or dislodge the blood clot:
- Crunchy or hard foods (chips, nuts, toast)
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Hot drinks or soups (let them cool first)
- Alcohol or carbonated beverages
- Foods with small seeds or grains that can get stuck in the wound
Stick to soft foods to eat after a tooth extraction for the first few days, and gradually reintroduce solid foods as your dentist recommends.
How Long to Eat Soft Foods After Tooth Extraction
A common question is how long to eat soft food after tooth extraction. The answer depends on the complexity of your procedure and how well your mouth is healing.
For most people:
- Simple extraction: 3–5 days of soft foods is usually enough.
- Wisdom tooth extraction: It’s best to continue eating soft foods for about 7–10 days.
If you’re wondering how long to eat soft foods after wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist may suggest a longer period if you experience swelling or tenderness.
Tips for Eating Comfortably During Recovery
- Chew on the opposite side of your extraction.
- Avoid using straws for the first few days (suction can dislodge the clot).
- Keep foods lukewarm not hot or icy cold.
- Rinse gently with salt water after meals (starting 24 hours post-extraction).
- Stay hydrated with water, smoothies, or broths.
Sample Soft Food Menu for the First Week
Day 1–2:
- Breakfast: Applesauce and Greek yogurt
- Lunch: Creamy potato soup
- Dinner: Mashed sweet potatoes and pureed vegetables
Day 3–5:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with mashed banana
- Lunch: Soft scrambled eggs with avocado
- Dinner: Soft pasta with cheese sauce
Day 6–7:
- Breakfast: Smoothie bowl
- Lunch: Soft fish with mashed potatoes
- Dinner: Macaroni and cheese or risotto
By the end of the week, you can begin introducing firmer foods as long as there’s no pain or bleeding.
FAQs About Soft Foods After Tooth Extraction
Q1: What are soft foods to eat after tooth extraction?
Soft foods include mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, oatmeal, and smoothies basically anything you can eat without chewing hard.
Q2: What soft foods to eat after extracting a tooth that also give energy?
High-protein options like eggs, cottage cheese, or protein shakes are great for energy and healing.
Q3: How long to eat soft food after tooth extraction?
Usually 3–5 days for simple extractions, and up to 10 days for wisdom teeth removal.
Q4: What are good soft foods to eat after tooth extraction for kids?
Try pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and yogurt gentle and kid-friendly choices.
Q5: Are soups safe to eat after tooth removal?
Yes, but make sure they’re lukewarm. Hot soups can cause irritation or bleeding.
Q6: Can I eat pasta after tooth extraction?
Yes, soft pasta (like mac and cheese or overcooked noodles) is perfect after the first couple of days.
Q7: What’s the best dental soft food to eat after tooth extraction?
Smooth, nutrient-rich meals like mashed potatoes, blended soups, or smoothies are excellent because they don’t require chewing.
Final Thoughts
Eating after a tooth extraction doesn’t have to be difficult. With this list of 50 soft foods to eat after a tooth extraction, you can enjoy nourishing, tasty meals that promote healing without pain.
Remember, recovery is different for everyone. Always follow your dentist’s advice on how long to eat soft foods after wisdom tooth extraction and gradually return to your normal diet when you’re comfortable.
If you’re looking for gentle, homemade recipes, try our Tomato Soup Recipe for Canning or browse our Healthy Soup Collection.
Your healing process will be smoother when you choose the right soft foods to eat after tooth extraction so stock up, eat slowly, and give your mouth the care it deserves.