After a tooth extraction, you can generally eat soft, cool foods within a few hours, once the numbness has worn off and any bleeding has stopped. It is crucial to avoid chewing near the extraction site for at least the first 24 hours to protect the blood clot that forms, which is vital for healing.

Here’s a general timeline for reintroducing foods:

• First 24–48 hours: Stick to liquids and very soft, cool foods that require little to no chewing, such as yoghurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and broth. Avoid hot or spicy foods and do not use straws.
• Days 2–7: Gradually introduce more soft, easily chewable foods like scrambled eggs, soft pasta, and well-cooked vegetables. Continue to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
• After 1 week: Many people can start returning to a more normal diet, but continue to avoid particularly hard or sticky foods if they cause discomfort. Full healing can take 7–14 days, or longer for more complex extractions.