According to a study published in the US National Library of Medicine, around 5 million people get ten million wisdom teeth extracted every year. That’s a lot of tooth extractions. There are other reasons besides wisdom teeth that people get teeth extracted. When you get a tooth pulled, your dentist will recommend actions for you to best recover. Can I eat ice cream after tooth extraction? The short answer is yes, but keep reading to learn more about why and how.
What is tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions are one of the most common procedures in the United States. The complexity of the surgical procedure varies per situation. All tooth extraction procedures have one thing in common, the patient leaves the procedure with at least one less tooth than they came in with.
Why do people need tooth extractions?
Most people have heard of wisdom teeth extraction. There are other reasons for a person to get a tooth extracted. Tooth decay, tooth infection, or overcrowding often require tooth extraction. A good dentist will only use tooth extraction as a last resort.
What happens during tooth extractions?
Millions of people get teeth extracted every year. The extraction can be surgical or non-surgical. Your procedure depends on which tooth is pulled and how deep it is rooted. The procedure is low risk and routine, so there should be nothing to worry about.
You will likely be under some kind of anaesthesia. In a simple non-surgical tooth extraction, the dentist pulls the tooth using forceps. In a surgical tooth extraction, the dentist makes an incision in gum tissue to access the tooth. They may cut bone tissue if needed to extract the tooth. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
What is recovery from tooth extraction like?
Recovery from tooth extraction is different for everyone. According to a study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, some factors that affect recovery time and difficulty are:
- Age: Elderly patients heal slower than youth.
- Sex: Females experience more pain than males during recovery.
- Underlying health conditions: People with other health problems experience a slower recovery.
Some general recommendations for recovery from tooth extraction include:
- Rest
- Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
- Eat soft foods with no seeds or small pieces
- Don’t use straws to drink liquids
- Ice the affected area in cycles as recommended by your doctor
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid brushing the affected area
- Contact your dentist with any concerns
You should consult your dentist about their specific recommendations for your recovery. Take their word over ours.
Why is it good to eat ice cream after a tooth extraction?
Now you may be saying, “Okay, but can I eat ice cream after tooth extraction?” The answer is yes. Ice cream complies with a couple of recovery recommendations. Ice cream is a soft food, which is great! That means you are allowed to eat it. Additionally, ice cream is cold (duh). The cold can provide significant pain relief, numbing, and reduction of swelling. Cold compress is best within the first 24 hours of your procedure. Plus, something sweet and delicious lifts your spirits. A positive mindset is healing.
Also Read: Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Drink Something Cold?
Why is it bad to eat ice cream after a tooth extraction?
The first 24 hours is the best time to eat ice cream to minimize swelling and discomfort from your tooth extraction procedure. When cold is applied to the area (whether it’s ice cream or an ice pack) blood vessels constrict. This is good because it reduces initial swelling. However, you will eventually need blood flow to the area to heal the wound. That being said, don’t go crazy with the ice cream after those first 24 hours.
If you do eat ice cream after tooth extraction, make sure that there are no fillings or topping in the ice cream. Getting a peanut lodged where your tooth used to be can be a major issue. It’s best to leave the rocky road until after you recover completely.
While ice cream can bring you joy with its sweetness, be careful not to overindulge. Balance all that sugar with some healthy food. Unfortunately, refined sugar itself does not promote healing.
Eating ice cream after tooth extraction isn’t bad, but you should be careful. Always consult your dentist for their recommendations for you.
Do dentists recommend eating ice cream after a tooth extraction?
Many dentists actually do recommend eating ice cream after a tooth extraction. Dentists recommend ice cream in the first 24-48 hours following the procedure. As with anything, use moderation and caution. Just because someone on the internet recommends you to eat ice cream, doesn’t mean you should. Consult your personal dentist who knows your specific condition. They will provide you with the most clear and safe guidance.
What other foods are good to eat after a tooth extraction?
Soft foods and liquids are safe to eat after tooth extraction. See below for a few food options:
- Broths or soups with no small or chewy pieces (i.e. chicken broth, butternut squash soup)
- Smoothies with no seeds
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Avocado
- Applesauce
For some, the food restrictions are the hardest part in recovery. Stay strong, get creative with your soft food combinations, and it will be over before you know it.
Conclusion: Can I eat ice cream after a tooth extraction?
People get tooth extractions for all kinds of reasons. It can range from a simple extraction to a minor surgery. Eating ice cream after tooth extraction can actually be beneficial. It is cold and soft, two factors that promote healing. Be careful with eating too much after the first 24 hours post-procedure. Most importantly, discuss any questions or concerns with your dentist. Long story short, you will be fine eating some ice cream after tooth extraction. Let’s hope they didn’t pull your sweet tooth!
Key Takeaways
- People get tooth extractions because of tooth decay, infection, wisdom teeth, and more. The procedure is routine, but surgically varies case-by-case. Recovery is different for everyone depending on age, sex, health conditions, and more. Your dentist will recommend how to best recover for you.
- Positives of eating ice cream after tooth extraction include its softness and coldness. It is gentle and soothing on your mouth, especially within the first 24 hours.
- If you eat too much or if there are any chunks in the ice cream, eating ice cream after tooth extraction can slow healing.