After a dental extraction, avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods is important, as they can irritate the extraction site and disrupt the healing process. Steer clear of items like nuts, chips, and chewy candies. Instead, choose soft foods like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Additionally, avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot, which is essential for healing. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your comfort improves and the extraction site begins to heal.