Have you ever found yourself craving a cold and creamy scoop of ice cream after getting your tooth extracted? Many people are left wondering whether it’s safe to do so.
Indulging in your favorite frozen treat may seem tempting.
This article will explore the dos and don’ts of eating ice cream after removing a wisdom tooth or any other tooth. Also, we discuss the foods you can or cannot eat after tooth extraction.
What to Do After a Tooth Extraction
There are a lot of reasons you may need a tooth removed. After the extraction, it is important to take good care of the extraction site to aid in healing and prevent infection. Here are some general care tips:
Bite on a piece of clean gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction to help stop the bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours after the extraction. This can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket and delay healing.
Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 48 hours after the extraction. Such habits can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
Eat soft foods for the first few days after the extraction, and avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the socket.
Brush your teeth gently but avoid brushing the inflamed area of your mouth for the first day or two. After that, you can begin brushing carefully around the socket.
Use a saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) to clean the socket after meals and before bed gently.
Take any pain medication according to your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions.
Contact your dentist or dental surgeon immediately if you experience severe or prolonged pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection such as fever or swelling.
How Soon Can I Eat Ice Cream after a Tooth Extraction?
It is generally recommended to avoid eating ice cream for the first few days after tooth extraction. It’s safe and best to wait for three days of the postoperative period.
Stick to consuming soft foods and liquids for a minimum of 24 hours after your tooth extraction.
Eating cold foods like ice cream may also cause discomfort or sensitivity around the extraction area.
When you eat sugary foods like ice cream, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acid. Thus, it can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums.
Ice cream is often high in fat, contributing to bacterial growth in the mouth. They can cause an infection in the socket where the tooth was removed.
Bacterial activities prevent a clot that usually forms in the socket to protect the bones and nerves underneath.
Therefore, avoiding sugary and fatty foods like ice cream for a few days after a tooth extraction is better.
After the tooth is removed, if you suspect an infection, see your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Can Ice Cream Cause Day Socket?
It’s crucial to have a tooth extraction without getting a dry socket.
A dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a painful complication that can occur after tooth extraction. It happens when the normal blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolved before the wound heals.
Generally, the ice cream itself is not a direct cause of dry sockets. However, its sugar and fat can increase the risk of bacterial infection. Thus, eating ice cream could potentially increase the possibility of developing a dry socket.
Cold foods and drinks can cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) in the area around the extraction site. This phenomenon could reduce blood flow and slow down the healing process.
Moreover, most of us love to suck on an ice cream cone or spoon while eating. The sucking motion could dislodge the blood clot, leading to a dry socket.
Is Ice Cream Good for Bleeding Gums?
Cold foods may help with tooth pain and bleeding gums by causing numbness in the affected area.
Ice cream can provide temporary relief for bleeding. Its icy-cold temperature can constrict the blood vessels in the area. Contracted veins in the gums will reduce blood flow.
However, its sugar and fat can cause bacterial infections in the teeth and gums in the long run. Thus, cold foods do not treat tooth pain and bleeding. A dentist can properly evaluate the condition and give the appropriate treatment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, is necessary to prevent oral problems. Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help promote dental health.
What To Eat After Tooth Extraction
Eating the right foods and practicing proper oral hygiene are unavoidable for your oral health. By choosing the right foods you can soothe your taste buds while staying on the road to a quick recovery after oral surgery.
It’s important sticking to soft foods or healthy beverages for the first few days following a tooth extraction. Here are some nutritious soft foods to eat after removing a wisdom tooth or any other tooth.
It’s great to eat Applesauce which is easy to eat and can provide some nutrition.
Avocado is also a good choice as it is soft and contains healthy fats.
A banana smoothie made with frozen bananas blended with milk or yogurt can be a tasty treat while still being easy to eat.
Broths or soups can provide nutrients while also keeping you hydrated.
Dairy products, especially cottage cheese or Greek yogurt are good sources of protein.
Hummus is a healthy snack that can be eaten with soft crackers or bread.
Instant oatmeal is another good option for a warm and filling meal after surgery.
Jell-O or pudding can be a sweet treat and easy to eat. Mashed bananas and mashed potatoes are soft and can provide some nutrition.
Trying mashed pumpkin is another option that can be seasoned to taste.
Salmon can be a good source of protein and healthy fats, but ensure it is cooked until very tender and flaky.
Scrambled eggs are another good source of protein and can be easily eaten when cooked until well done.
Finally, smoothies made with fruits, vegetables, and protein powder can provide many nutrients in an easy-to-consume form.
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
To ensure your recovery progresses smoothly, it is important to avoid or steer clear of acidic or spicy foods. Consumable foods are the same when a wisdom tooth or another tooth is removed. Also, avoid crunchy foods that require extensive chewing. Consuming such foods may result in pain, irritation, and even infection. Examples of such foods are:
Acidic foods: They can harm gum tissue and cause inflammation and pain. Commonly used acidic foods include the following:
- Limes
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Fried foods
- Soda
- Grapefruits
- Pineapples
- Tomatoes
Spicy foods: They irritate your gums and extraction site and may cause inflammation. Such foods include:
- Chili
- Curry
- Hot peppers
- Salsa
- Horseradish
Foods difficult to eat: Hard, crunchy, chewy, fried, drinks with straws, or sticky foods are difficult to eat after tooth extraction. They can hurt the surgical site and cause bleeding. Such foods include:
- Chips
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Crackers
- Meat
- Popcorn
- Raw, fibrous fruits and vegetables.
The Bottom Line
We love to eat ice cream because it’s delicious and refreshing. However, after a tooth is pulled or when you get wisdom teeth removed, gorging on cold and sugary foods for a few days is not recommended.
Ice cream typically served cold, can cause sensitivity and restrict the blood flow to the removal site.
Sugar and fat in it increase the risk of infection. Sucking or chewing sticky ice creams with nuts, chocolate, or caramel can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket.
In general, it’s best to stick to soft foods and liquids or easy-to-eat foods. Avoid anything too hot, cold, or crunchy until your dentist gives you the all-clear.
Recommended reading list:
- Cost Of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
- How Much Do Dental Implants Cost
- How To Get Rid Of White Spots On Teeth