Top things to avoid after a tooth extraction

Jessica Levco

December 18, 2024

Top tips for recovery and why it's important to avoid certain things after a tooth extraction.

The ADA suggests things to avoid after tooth extraction and tips for recovery:

Avoid anything that might slow down healing.
Don’t smoke.
Skip drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours.
Stick to the diet your dentist recommends.
If you need to rinse your mouth, do it gently for the first few days.
If you notice swelling, apply a cold cloth or ice pack and call your dentist.
Ask your dentist about pain relief options.

Remember, your mouth needs time to heal.

We know that planning for a tooth extraction can be costly. If your dentist has suggested an extraction, you might like to learn more about a dental savings plan. These are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists.

Before your extraction, your dentist will numb the area to reduce pain. After the tooth is removed, your dentist will give you instructions to help you heal. Don’t worry — it’s normal to have a small amount of bleeding and your mouth will start to heal by forming a blood clot where the tooth used to be, the ADA says.

Foods to avoid after a tooth extraction

You probably won’t be tempted to tear into a bag of anything crunchy after an extraction. Aspen Dental, which accepts Altogether Dental members, suggests that you stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce and mashed potatoes. You should avoid hot, spicy and hard foods that can irritate the extraction site.

You should also drink fluids to stay hydrated. But remember to skip the straw. The ADA cautions that suction from a straw could dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site.

How long should you avoid smoking after a tooth extraction?

Add tobacco to your list of things to avoid after tooth extraction. You should avoid smoking or using any tobacco products for at least 72 hours after surgery and try to wait even longer if possible, Mayo Clinic says. Tobacco can slow down the healing process and increase the chances of complications.

If you’re wondering how to avoid dry socket after tooth extraction, don’t smoke. The chemicals in cigarettes or other forms of tobacco may prevent or slow your healing process, Mayo Clinic says. These chemicals can get into the wound site. Also, the act of sucking on a cigarette may cause the blood clot to come out too early. This creates a dry socket. Dry socket happens when the blood clot at the extraction site does not form, come out or dissolve before the wound has healed.

Activities to avoid after tooth extraction

After your surgery, take it easy and rest. You can return to your regular activities soon, but avoid strenuous activities for at least a week to prevent dislodging the blood clot from the socket, Mayo Clinic suggests. Aspen Dental reports that most people can return to their normal activities within a few days of an extraction.

How long to avoid alcohol after a tooth extraction (and why)?

You should follow your dentist’s suggestions when it comes to alcohol after your surgery, Mayo Clinic says.

Why should you avoid a nightcap? Mayo Clinic offers a few reasons. First, alcohol can cause a dry socket to form. Second, if you’re taking medication for pain, there might be an interaction between it and an alcoholic beverage. And Healthline cautions that alcohol might irritate your mouth.

How long to avoid straws after a tooth extraction?

Avoid using straws for the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon will advise against this because the suction can dislodge blood clots and lead to dry sockets. To help your mouth heal properly, it’s best to avoid straws for at least a week, according to Aspen Dental.

Remember, routine dental care is essential for maintaining oral health.

If you don’t have dental insurance, you can pay for tooth extraction or any dental care out of pocket. But it can be pricey. If you’re wondering about how much tooth extraction costs without insurance, the average cost is $236, according to Altogther Dental. However, Altogether Dental members enjoy affordable extractions. With a membership, you pay an average of $191.