If you have just had a tooth removed, the safest and smartest choice is soft, easy-to-chew foods that don’t disturb the healing area. What you eat in the first 24 to 72 hours matters greatly if it’s a wisdom tooth or any other.

Let’s discuss what to eat after tooth extraction, including soft food ideas, what to avoid, and how to support faster healing.

Why Does Food Matter After a Tooth Extraction?

When a tooth is extracted, your body needs time to heal the socket left behind. Healing begins when a protective blood clot forms where the tooth was removed. If that clot gets disturbed or dissolves too soon, it can trigger a painful complication known as dry socket. This is why eating the wrong food, like crunchy or too hot, can cause problems.

Food also significantly affects energy levels, immune strength, and tissue repair. Eating soft, nourishing meals helps the body heal faster without stressing the wound.

First Night After Tooth Extraction: What Can You Eat?

For the first night after tooth extraction, stick to very soft, cold, or room-temperature foods. Don’t chew directly over the extraction area.

Best options for the first night:

• Smoothies (without seeds)
• Plain yogurt
• Applesauce
• Cold mashed potatoes
  
• Broth (lukewarm)
• Ice cream or sorbet (without nuts or chunks)

Avoid hot food and drinks, as heat can disturb the clot. 

50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

We have put together an extensive list of soft foods you can enjoy safely after your extraction:

Dairy-Based & Protein-Rich Foods

Great for rebuilding tissue and maintaining strength while you recover.

1. Greek yogurt is high in protein, has a smooth texture, and is cool to soothe the area.
2. Cottage cheese – Soft curds are easy to swallow and digest.
3. Ice cream – Cold and creamy, it helps reduce inflammation. Choose versions without nuts.
4. Pudding – Sweet, soft, and gentle on the gums.
5. Cream of wheat – Warm, satisfying, and vitamin-fortified
6. Scrambled eggs – Soft, high in protein, and simple to chew.
7. Egg salad – Smooth if mashed well, adds healthy fats.
8. Quiche – Soft when baked lightly, contains eggs and soft veggies.
9. Cream cheese spread – Easy to swallow and pairs well with soft bread.
10. Ricotta cheese – Mild, creamy, and easy to mix with other foods.

Mashed & Pureed Veggies/Fruits

Full of vitamins and fiber to aid healing without chewing effort.

1. Mashed potatoes – Classic comfort food; smooth and hearty.
2. Avocado – Rich in good fats, soft, and creamy.
3. Mashed pumpkin – Sweet and full of vitamin A, great for healing.
4. Mashed peas have a mild taste and are easy to digest.
5. Mashed banana – High in Potassium and naturally sweet.
6. Ripe peaches (mashed) – Juicy and gentle on the gums.
7. Steamed carrots (mashed) – Soft when steamed well, loaded with beta-carotene.
8. Steamed squash – Tender and rich in nutrients.
9. Baked apple (mashed) – Soft and comforting; skip the skins.
10. Fruit puree – Apples, pears, or berries blended smooth.

Soups & Broths

Warm, easy to swallow, and hydrating, just not too hot.

1. Pureed soup – Blended soups with no chunks are ideal.
2. Broth – Clear and soothing; bone broth offers extra healing nutrients.
3. Chicken broth with soft noodles – Nourishing, light protein, and comfort.
4. Butternut squash soup has a creamy texture and is naturally sweet.
5. Miso soup – Light and salty, great for hydration.
6. Egg drop soup – Protein-packed with a silky texture.
7. Soft tofu stir-fry (no crunchy veggies) – Soft tofu absorbs flavor and is full of protein.
8. Soft fish (like cod) – Flaky, mild, and easy to chew.
9. Boiled lentils – Gentle on your teeth, full of fiber and protein.
10. Soft-cooked beans are a good source of plant-based protein when cooked thoroughly.

Grain-Based Comfort Foods

These soft carb-based dishes help keep your energy levels up.

1. Oatmeal (lukewarm) – Easy to swallow, keeps you full.
2. Overcooked pasta – Soft and tender when cooked extra long.
3. Macaroni and cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and filling.
4. Soft pancakes (cut into small pieces) – Mild flavor and easy to chew.
5. Rice pudding – A Soft, creamy dessert with some fiber.
6. Soft risotto – Cheesy and mushy rice that’s gentle to eat.
7. Soft-cooked rice – Overcooked rice becomes extra soft and chewy.
8. Creamy polenta – Cornmeal-based, creamy, and filling.
9. Grits – Southern-style comfort food, smooth when cooked well.
10. Soft porridge – Any grain turned into a soft, warm mush for gentle eating.

Cold or Special Texture Treats

Cool or soft-textured foods that provide comfort and reduce inflammation.

1. Smoothies – Nutrient-packed and easy to blend without chunks or seeds.
2. Applesauce – Classic soft food, sweet and easy to digest.
3. Jell-O – Wobbly and smooth, fun to eat during recovery.
4. Coconut milk yogurt – A dairy-free alternative that’s smooth and creamy.
5. Custard – Velvety texture and sweet flavor.
6. Bread soaked in milk – Extremely soft and moist for safe swallowing.
7. Canned peaches – Soft and syrupy; mash them further if needed.
8. Soft tofu – Mild in taste, easy to eat and digest.
9. Hummus – Rich in healthful fats and creamy, goes nicely with soft bread.
10. Creamy polenta – Appears again due to its soft, soothing texture.

What Can I Eat 24 Hours After Tooth Extraction?

You can gradually add more soft yet slightly warm foods after a day. Stick to items like:

• Mashed potatoes
• Soups (not too hot)
• Scrambled eggs
• Well-cooked pasta

Still avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods. Hydration is also essential; take small, frequent gulps of water. 

Three Days After Tooth Extraction: What Can I Eat?

By the third day, the wound should be healing well. You can continue eating soft foods, but you might start testing slightly firmer textures like:

• Soft pancakes
• Finely shredded chicken
• Overcooked vegetables

Just be sure to chew away from the extraction site. If you’re still feeling pain or see swelling, stick to more blended and cool items.

What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth removal is often more invasive, so be extra careful with food. Try:

• Greek yogurt with honey
• Smoothies with protein powder
• Avocado mashed with boiled egg
• Soft soups with blended vegetables

The idea is the same: low-effort chewing, high in nutrients.

How to Make Tooth Extraction Heal Faster

Healing happens best when you:

• Eat soft, healthy foods
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Don’t disturb the clot
• Rinse with salt water after 24 hours
• Take prescribed medications on time

According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, patients who followed aftercare instructions carefully healed faster and had a lower risk of complications.

Final Advice from Oral Culture

Tooth extraction might seem like a big deal, but you can recover smoothly and comfortably with the right food choices and care. Soft, nutritious foods support your healing and prevent problems like dry socket.

Need more oral health advice? At Oral Culture, we help you chew smarter, heal faster, and smile better.

If you are recovering from an extraction or planning for one soon, save this food list; your healing depends on it.

People Also Ask

What is the safest food to eat after a tooth extraction?

Plain yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are some of the safest options; they’re soft, non-acidic, and easy on the healing site.

How soon can I eat after having my teeth extracted?

You should avoid eating anything for at least four to six hours. Avoid chewing close to the extraction site and start with extremely soft, cold meals.

How can I hasten the healing process of my tooth extraction?

Follow your dentist’s instructions, eat soft, nutritious foods, don’t use straws, and rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours. Avoid smoking completely.

Can I Eat Three Hours After Extracting My Teeth?

Most dentists advise not eating anything for at least four to six hours following extraction. Sometimes, drinking water earlier is okay, but avoid chewing or disturbing the site.