April 11, 2023

Top 6 Foods to Give a Child After a Tooth Extraction

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AFTER YOUR CHILD HAS A TOOTH EXTRACTED

Tooth extraction can be a painful experience for anyone, but the experience can be especially challenging for small children. If your child has recently undergone a teeth extraction, it may be challenging to get your toddler to want to eat. As a parent, this may leave you wondering, “What should I give my child to eat after a tooth extraction?”

SOFT FOODS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR TODDLERS AND CHILDREN AFTER ORAL SURGERY:

  1. Mashed potatoes: mashed potatoes are an excellent option to consider as they are filling and provide your child with necessary nutrients. They are easy to chew and swallow, which makes them perfect for kids who have just had an extraction.
  2. Yogurt: Yogurt is another great food option post-extraction. It’s rich in calcium and protein providing the body with essential nourishment. Choose plain yogurt without sugar or other additives as these may irritate the gums.
  3. Scrambled eggs: Scrambled eggs are one of the best sources of protein required for healing. They have a soft texture making it gentle on your child’s tender gums while being nutritious too.
  4. Fruit smoothies: Fruit smoothies offer all-natural vitamins and minerals that help promote recovery after any dental treatment. They also deliver hydration needed for healing gums as well.
  5. Mashed fruit: cooked or mashed fruits such as banana or guava help keep constipation at bay while still supplying essential vitamins and mineral
  6. If all else fails, give them ice cream or Gelato: Cold feels really good on the gums after an extraction. The cold temperature will also help reduce swelling. There are many options that taste good that your child will want to eat, even though they have pain in their mouth.
BEST AFTERCARE FOR CHILDREN AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION
When kids have to have a tooth pulled, it is important to follow aftercare instructions to ensure they do not encounter any complications. Whether your child has a baby tooth or a permanent tooth extracted, the experience can be difficult for a child. Even baby teeth can have a roots that when removed can cause bleeding, swelling and discomfort for children. Parents should ensure their child gets plenty of rest, try to sleep with their head elevated, avoid injuring the extraction site by feeding them soft foods, and control any bleeding by having them lightly bite into a piece of gauze until the bleeding stops. It’s also important to encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing around the extraction site and swishing with warm saltwater to prevent infection. If your child experiences any persistent pain or swelling after tooth extraction, contact a dentist.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING RECOVERY AFTER YOUR CHILD’S TOOTH EXTRACTION

After a child has a tooth pulled, they may experience some discomfort or pain for the first few days. There may also be some bleeding from the extraction site during the first day, which can be controlled by biting down on gauze. Swelling around the area is also common and can last for up to 48 hours, this can be reduced with cold packs and sleeping on pillows. In most cases, any discomfort or swelling will gradually subside within a week or two following an extraction procedure.

In conclusion, taking care of a small child after tooth extraction requires patience and creativity when it comes to meal planning and managing pain. Incorporating balanced, natural diets specific to the child’s needs and condition, promotes speedy recovery and healthy growth. Make sure that you offer a variety of soft foods to your child to make their healing process comfortable and easy.

Picture of Sidney Baraza, RDH
Sidney Baraza, RDH
Sidney is committed to providing quality dental care that helps improve not just the dental health but also overall health of her patients. Her tireless dedication makes her an essential member of the team at All Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics in Allen, Texas.