How to Eat With a Missing First Molar

Eating when you have a missing molar can be a pain -- literally. After the missing tooth has been extracted or has fallen out, the area is tender and requires special care, particularly while eating. Being careful of the way you eat and the types of food you eat while the area is healing can save you from a lot of aggravation and potentially painful complications.

Things You'll Need

• Warm salt water
• Soft foods

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid beverages that require you to suck through a straw until the toothless area heals. Sucking can lead to the dislodging of blood clots on the wound, slowing down the healing process.

• 2

  Eat foods that are soft while the area is healing. Recommended foods include gelatin, pudding, warm cereals, soups and mashed potatoes.

• 3

  Avoid foods that are either very hot or very cold, as the healing area may have temperature sensitivity while it is healing.

• 4

  Avoid chewing on the side with the missing tooth until the area has healed.

• 5

  Avoid foods that have small particles that can become lodged in the wound and potentially lead to infection.

• 6

  Introduce solid foods back into your diet slowly as the area heals.