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A member asked:
When is it safe to chew on side of lower tooth extraction. it has been 17 days and afraid to chew food on that side so food does not get in socket?
9 doctors weighed in across 5 answers
Yes: Yes as long as you keep the area clean..Have no pain..Rinse thoroughly so food does not stay lodged in sovket as eell as your dentist can help get irrigating syringe.
Answered 11/27/2013
4.9k views
You should: Be fine. Just exercise good oral hygiene and if it makes you more comfortable, then rinse after meals. Hope this helps.
Answered 9/25/2013
4.9k views
You can: You can go back to eating normally. After 2 weeks the extraction site is healed enough so you can eat without worrying. The extraction site is filling in by now even though you can still feel the hole. Just remember to keep the area clean by rinsing or brushing gently.
Answered 9/25/2013
4.9k views
Safe to chew: Normal formation of clot over the extraction site occurs within 24 hours. Avoid foods with small parts and pieces for 5-7 days. Normal chewing can resume after 10 days.
Answered 5/11/2014
4.9k views
Keep it clean: It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks for the extraction socket to heal well. If you can rinse the food debris without problems, it is probably safe to chew on that side carefully before the 4 weeks are up. I would avoid chewy or crunchy foods. You can ask the dentist for an irrigation syringe to keep the socket clean.
Answered 10/9/2013
4.9k views
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