50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

Key Takeaways:

50 Soft Foods that are dentist-approved can make your post-extraction recovery easier, safer, and more comfortable. Stick to soft, cool, and bland foods in the first 24–48 hours. Avoid chewing near the extraction site and skip anything crunchy, spicy, or sticky. This list includes 50 soft food options, categorized by meal type and healing phase. Prioritize hydration, protein, and comfort.

Why 50 Soft Foods Matter After Tooth Extraction

Your mouth is healing from trauma. Chewing hard foods, drinking from a straw, or eating anything spicy can dislodge clots, cause dry socket, or delay healing. That’s why 50 Soft Foods that are nutrient-rich, gentle, and satisfying are your best friend right now.

50 Dentist-Approved Soft Foods for Healing

Phase 1: First 24 Hours (No Chewing, Cold or Room-Temp Only)

Best 50 Soft Foods Immediately After Extraction:

1. Cold applesauce
2. Plain Greek yogurt
3. Smoothies (no seeds, no straws)
4. Ice cream (no chunks or cones)
5. Pudding (vanilla or banana)
6. Jell-O or gelatin
7. Cold mashed bananas
8. Protein shakes (sipped slowly)
9. Chilled broth or consommé
10. Coconut water

Phase 2: Days 2–3 (Very Soft, Still No Chewing)

50 Soft Foods That Are Safe & Soothing:
11. Mashed potatoes (lukewarm only)
12. Cream of wheat
13. Scrambled eggs
14. Cottage cheese
15. Avocado mash
16. Ripe banana (mashed or sliced)
17. Soft tofu
18. Puréed soups (carrot, pumpkin, potato)
19. Mashed sweet potatoes
20. Rice cereal (thinned)

Phase 3: Day 4 and Beyond (Soft Chewing Allowed)

50 Soft Foods for Gentle Chewing Comfort:
21. Soft-cooked pasta
22. Macaroni and cheese
23. Well-cooked rice
24. Soft pancakes (plain)
25. Egg salad
26. Chicken salad (finely shredded)
27. Canned tuna (mashed)
28. Steamed carrots (soft)
29. Oatmeal (fully cooked)
30. Soft muffins (no nuts or seeds)

Gentle Proteins: 50 Soft Foods That Boost Healing

Protein helps tissue repair and boosts recovery after dental surgery. These 50 Soft Foods are rich in protein and won’t hurt to eat:
31. Poached eggs
32. Soft lentils (well-cooked)
33. Shredded rotisserie chicken
34. Steamed flaky fish (like cod)
35. Silken tofu
36. Protein yogurt
37. Smooth hummus
38. Blended beans
39. Soft egg bites
40. Nut butter (smooth only, in small amounts)

Soft Fruits & Sweet Treats: 50 Soft Foods to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

41. Applesauce
42. Ripe avocado
43. Ripe pears (peeled and mashed)
44. Fruit puree pouches
45. Canned peaches (in juice)
46. Soft melon (very ripe)
47. Banana ice cream
48. Custard
49. Tapioca pudding
50. Fruit smoothies (no seeds or citrus)

What to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

Skip anything that can injure the healing area, cause dry socket, or get stuck: crunchy foods, hot or spicy foods, sticky candy, chewy breads or meats, straws, and carbonated or alcoholic drinks.

Sample 3-Day Healing Meal Plan with 50 Soft Foods

Day 1 (No chewing):

• Breakfast: Applesauce, yogurt
• Lunch: Chilled protein shake
• Dinner: Mashed banana, pudding
• Fluids: Water, coconut water, cool broth

Day 2 (Soft foods):

• Breakfast: Cream of wheat, banana
• Lunch: Mashed potatoes, cottage cheese
• Dinner: Puréed soup, protein yogurt
• Fluids: Apple juice, herbal tea

Day 3 (Gentle chewing):

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, scrambled eggs
• Lunch: Mac & cheese, steamed carrots
• Dinner: Shredded chicken, mashed sweet potatoes
• Dessert: Tapioca pudding

Final Tips for Healing with 50 Soft Foods

Follow your dentist’s instructions closely

Eat slowly and mindfully

Rinse gently with salt water after meals

Avoid acidic or spicy sauces

Stay hydrated — sip, don’t gulp