Food checker · 134 foods and drinks · 16 procedures · Free

What can I eat after dental work?

Pick your procedure and the day you are on, then search any food or drink. You get the typical answer for that stage of healing and the reason behind it.

Fig. 1 — Food checker

ProcedureDay (1 = day of procedure)

Day 1 · typical stage

First 24 hours

Cool or lukewarm liquids and smooth foods only. No straws, no spitting, nothing hot.

Search a food or drink

WaterUsually OKSip from a cup rather than a straw or sports bottle.
Cold waterUsually OKSip from a cup; let ice melt rather than chewing it.
CoffeeNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
Iced coffeeNot yetFrom days 2–3. Acid stings an open wound and can irritate the healing tissue.
TeaNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
Iced teaWith careThe suction from a straw can pull the clot out of the socket, which is the main cause of dry socket. Use a spoon or sip from a cup.
Hot chocolateNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
MilkUsually OKDrink it cool or at room temperature from a cup.
Chocolate milkUsually OKSip from a cup and follow with water.
SodaNot yetFrom days 8–14. Many surgeons ask patients to avoid carbonated drinks for the first several days, because the fizz and acidity may disturb the clot.
Sparkling waterNot yetFrom days 8–14. Many surgeons ask patients to avoid carbonated drinks for the first several days, because the fizz and acidity may disturb the clot.
Energy drinksNot yetFrom days 8–14. Many surgeons ask patients to avoid carbonated drinks for the first several days, because the fizz and acidity may disturb the clot.
JuiceNot yetFrom days 2–3. Acid stings an open wound and can irritate the healing tissue.
Orange juiceNot yetFrom days 2–3. Acid stings an open wound and can irritate the healing tissue.
LemonadeNot yetFrom days 2–3. Acid stings an open wound and can irritate the healing tissue.
SmoothiesWith careThe suction from a straw can pull the clot out of the socket, which is the main cause of dry socket. Use a spoon or sip from a cup.
MilkshakesWith careThe suction from a straw can pull the clot out of the socket, which is the main cause of dry socket. Use a spoon or sip from a cup.
Protein shakesWith careThe suction from a straw can pull the clot out of the socket, which is the main cause of dry socket. Use a spoon or sip from a cup.
Sports drinksNot yetFrom days 2–3. Acid stings an open wound and can irritate the healing tissue.
BrothNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
AlcoholNot yetFrom days 8–14. Alcohol can increase bleeding, slow healing, and react badly with pain medication and some antibiotics.
BeerNot yetFrom days 8–14. Alcohol can increase bleeding, slow healing, and react badly with pain medication and some antibiotics.
WineNot yetFrom days 8–14. Alcohol can increase bleeding, slow healing, and react badly with pain medication and some antibiotics.
Ice creamUsually OKChoose a plain flavor in a cup and eat it with a spoon.
YogurtUsually OKPick a smooth, seedless variety.
PuddingUsually OKPudding is about as gentle as food gets: smooth, cool, and swallowed without chewing.
JelloUsually OKGelatin slides down without chewing and is usually on the first-day list.
ApplesauceUsually OKApplesauce is smooth and mild, and far less acidic than citrus. It is a common first-day food.
Mashed potatoesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
OatmealNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
GritsNot yetFrom days 8–14. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
Cottage cheeseUsually OKCottage cheese is soft, cool, and high in protein, which makes it a useful early food.
HummusUsually OKEat it with a spoon or on very soft bread.
AvocadoUsually OKMash it smooth; skip the toast until chewing is comfortable.
BananasNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Refried beansNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
Baby foodUsually OKPureed baby food is not exciting, but it is smooth, room temperature, and comes in ready portions.
PopsiclesUsually OKLet it melt in a cup or lick it rather than sucking or biting.
SorbetNot yetFrom days 2–3. Acid stings an open wound and can irritate the healing tissue.
SoupNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
Chicken noodle soupNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Tomato soupNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
RamenNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
NoodlesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
PhoNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
ChiliNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
RiceNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
PastaNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
SpaghettiNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Mac and cheeseNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BreadNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
ToastNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
PancakesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
WafflesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
French toastNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CerealNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BagelsNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
TortillasNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
QuinoaNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CrackersNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Scrambled eggsNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
EggsNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
ChickenNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Chicken nuggetsNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
FishNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
SalmonNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
TunaNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
ShrimpNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
SteakNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Ground beefNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
MeatNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Pulled porkNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BaconNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Hot dogsNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
MeatballsNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
TofuNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BeansNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Peanut butterNot yetFrom days 8–14. Sticky foods cling to the wound and stitches and take effort to clear away.
CheeseNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
SushiNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
PizzaNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BurgersNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
French friesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
SandwichesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
TacosNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BurritosNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
QuesadillasNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Grilled cheeseNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Fried chickenNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Chinese foodNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Indian foodNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Mexican foodNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Taco BellNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
McDonald'sNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
FruitNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
ApplesNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
StrawberriesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BlueberriesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
WatermelonNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
OrangesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
GrapesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
PineappleNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
TomatoesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
SaladNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
VegetablesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CarrotsNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BroccoliNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CornNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Sweet potatoesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Heat widens blood vessels and can dissolve or loosen the clot protecting the socket, which can restart bleeding.
PotatoesNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
ChocolateNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CakeNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CookiesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
DonutsNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
BrowniesNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CandyNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Gummy candyNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
CaramelNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
GumNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
HoneyNot yetFrom days 8–14. Sticky foods cling to the wound and stitches and take effort to clear away.
ChipsNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
PopcornNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
NutsNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
PretzelsNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
GranolaNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
SeedsNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Hot CheetosNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
IceNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
JerkyNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Solid foodNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Spicy foodNot yetFrom days 8–14. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Hot foodNot yetFrom days 4–7. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
Crunchy foodNot yetAfter about 2 weeks. Chewing puts pressure on the socket and pushes food toward it. Early on, anything that needs real chewing is too much.
DairyUsually OKFollow your own instruction sheet if it mentions dairy.

134 of 134 shown · Typical guidance · Your dentist's instructions come first · Nothing you enter is saved

General information · Not dental advice

This tool shows typical stages. If your dentist or surgeon gave you a diet sheet, follow it where it differs. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.

Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer

Table 1 — Full food lists by procedure

What to eat after each procedure

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?	4 stages
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?	5 stages
What can I eat after dental implant surgery?	4 stages
What can I eat after a dental bone graft?	4 stages
What can I eat after a gum graft?	4 stages
What can I eat after a root canal?	4 stages
What can I eat after a filling?	3 stages
What can I eat after getting a crown?	4 stages
What can I eat after getting a bridge?	4 stages
What can I eat after getting veneers?	4 stages
What can I eat after dental bonding?	2 stages
What can I eat after an inlay or onlay?	4 stages
What can I eat after a deep cleaning?	3 stages
What can I eat after teeth whitening?	2 stages
What can I eat after a braces adjustment?	2 stages
What can I eat with new dentures?	4 stages

Table 2 — Every food and drink

Browse by food

Drinks

Water
Cold water
Coffee
Iced coffee
Tea
Iced tea
Hot chocolate
Milk
Chocolate milk
Soda
Sparkling water
Energy drinks
Juice
Orange juice
Lemonade
Smoothies
Milkshakes
Protein shakes
Sports drinks

Alcohol

Alcohol
Beer
Wine

Soft & spoonable

Ice cream
Yogurt
Pudding
Jello
Applesauce
Mashed potatoes
Oatmeal
Grits
Cottage cheese
Hummus
Avocado
Refried beans
Baby food
Peanut butter
Dairy

Soups & noodles

Broth
Soup
Chicken noodle soup
Tomato soup
Ramen
Noodles
Pho
Chili
Hot food

Bread, rice & pasta

Rice
Pasta
Spaghetti
Mac and cheese
Bread
Toast
Pancakes
Waffles
French toast
Cereal
Bagels
Tortillas
Quinoa

Eggs, meat & fish

Scrambled eggs
Eggs
Chicken
Fish
Salmon
Tuna
Shrimp
Steak
Ground beef
Meat
Pulled pork
Bacon
Meatballs
Tofu
Beans
Cheese
Solid food

Fast food & takeout

Chicken nuggets
Hot dogs
Sushi
Pizza
Burgers
French fries
Sandwiches
Tacos
Burritos
Quesadillas
Grilled cheese
Fried chicken
Chinese food
Indian food
Mexican food
Taco Bell
McDonald's
Spicy food

Fruit & vegetables

Bananas
Fruit
Apples
Strawberries
Blueberries
Watermelon
Oranges
Grapes
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Salad
Vegetables
Carrots
Broccoli
Corn
Sweet potatoes
Potatoes

Sweets & desserts

Popsicles
Sorbet
Chocolate
Cake
Cookies
Donuts
Brownies
Candy
Gummy candy
Caramel
Gum
Honey

Snacks & crunchy foods

Crackers
Chips
Popcorn
Nuts
Pretzels
Granola
Seeds
Hot Cheetos
Ice
Jerky
Crunchy food

How the food checker decides

Each food is described by what it is physically like: how much chewing it needs, and whether it is hot, spicy, acidic, fizzy, sticky, tough, or likely to shed crumbs and seeds. Each procedure has typical diet stages that rule some of those out for a while. A tooth extraction is about protecting a blood clot; a temporary crown is about not pulling it off; whitening is about stain. The checker matches the two.

That makes it a reasonable guide to what is typical, and no more than that. It does not know how your procedure went, how you are healing, or what your surgeon told you.

About this tool

This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.

Medical disclaimer

The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.