Wisdom tooth extraction is a typical treatment that many people go through. The surgery is straightforward, but wisdom teeth removal recovery can be challenging, especially when deciding what to eat after wisdom teeth removal. A suitable diet can hasten your healing process, while an inappropriate diet can elevate your chances of infection and the development of a dry socket.
The back corners of your mouth are where you’ll find wisdom teeth, also called third molars. Nearly 5 million wisdom tooth extractions are performed annually in the United States. The healing process can vary, lasting anywhere from 3 days to up to 2 weeks. Understanding what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal can help you speed up the recovery process.
Why It’s Important to Have a Proper Diet After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Following a tooth extraction, you’ll probably experience swelling around your mouth and cheeks, making eating challenging. You can use ice packs and pain relief to ease discomfort, but it’s crucial to make wise choices when deciding what to eat after wisdom teeth removal. You will want to avoid potential complications that could arise from an inappropriate diet.
The major risks you face after a wisdom tooth removal include:
Dry Socket
A blood clot must form at the extraction site as part of the healing process. This clot acts as a protective shield for the underlying bone and nerves. However, if the clot gets dislodged or doesn’t form correctly, it can lead to a condition called ‘dry socket.’
Your nerves are exposed without the clot, and you may experience severe pain and discomfort. We need to flush the area and apply a dressing to treat dry sockets. Patients need to avoid foods that might get stuck in small spaces or irritate the blood clot.
Infections
When a dry socket is left untreated, it becomes filled with food debris or harmful bacteria. It can intensify pain and swelling and may lead to an infection. Infections can cause additional symptoms such as fever, discharge, and heightened sensitivity. The good news is that we can treat these infections with antibiotics and a thorough dental cleaning.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Blended Soups
Blended soups, like tomato and pumpkin soup, are excellent choices during the first five days after your wisdom teeth are removed. They are easy to consume, require no chewing, and won’t contain any bits that could irritate your surgical sites. These soups can also be packed with nutritious vegetables and legumes loaded with essential nutrients.
Moreover, soup can help keep you hydrated, which is crucial after surgery. Make sure your soups are lukewarm or cold, as hot soups might cause irritation. Blend vegetable-based soups until they’re as smooth as possible to avoid chunks.
Broths
Broths, just like soups, can provide you with nourishment and hydration during the initial days after surgery. Bone broth, lauded for its nutritional value, is produced by boiling bones and connective tissues obtained from various animals, delivering a plethora of vitamins and minerals.
It’s also high in amino acids, which can help reduce inflammation. Like soup, consume broths lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating your wound.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a smooth, creamy food that can help soothe and numb your mouth after dental surgery. It’s a wonderful source of calcium, zinc, and vitamins in addition to protein.
Research suggests that high-protein foods may speed up recovery, and adequate zinc intake can promote wound healing.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes can provide comfort after wisdom teeth removal. They are calorie-rich and nutrient-dense, essential for recovery when you have slightly higher energy requirements after surgery.
Ensure your mashed potatoes are completely smooth without any chunks. Adding butter, milk, or water can help make them easier to eat. Consume them lukewarm to prevent irritation to your wound.
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are a fantastic semisoft food to reintroduce when you’re ready to chew slowly with your other teeth. They are a high-quality source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Applesauce
One option to enhance your fruit intake in the 24 hours following surgery is to use applesauce. Copper and the vitamins B, C, and E are abundant in it. Although it may have fewer nutrients than whole apples, it can help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and improve wound healing.
Mashed Bananas
With their soft texture, bananas are easy to chew and swallow as you gradually resume chewing after dental surgery. They are incredibly nutritious, providing various vitamins and minerals.
Banana Ice Cream
Banana ice cream, made from frozen bananas and a splash of your preferred milk, can have a soothing effect on the extraction wound. It’s a healthy and delicious homemade alternative to regular ice cream.
Avocado
Avocado is a unique fruit, low in carbs but high in healthy fats. It’s a rich source of vitamins K and C potassium and offers various health benefits. Consuming guacamole or whipped/mashed avocados during recovery can be a good choice.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a convenient way to boost nutrient intake when you can’t eat solid food. They are easy to consume and customizable to your taste and nutritional needs. However, avoid seeded fruits like strawberries and blackberries to prevent any complications.
Hummus
Hummus, a beloved Middle Eastern spread and dip, offers a wealth of protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats. It can be a tasty option during your recovery, although avoid crunchy foods like chips or pita bread.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese boasts a low-calorie count while packing a punch with abundant protein, essential vitamins, and vital minerals. Its smooth and creamy consistency eases the transition back to chewing after oral surgery or dental work..
Instant Oatmeal
Oats are nutritious and filling, but they have a slightly chewy texture. It’s best to wait a few days after surgery to consume them. Instant oats are softer and should be cooled before eating to avoid irritation.
Mashed Pumpkin
Mashed pumpkin is a soft and easy-to-chew option after wisdom teeth removal. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like potassium.
Salmon
Salmon, a healthy fish rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, is a great choice as you transition back to regular chewing. Omega-3s can aid in wound healing by reducing inflammation.
What Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are certain foods you should steer clear of during your recovery to prevent irritation to your extraction wounds and protect the crucial blood clots needed for healing:
- Spicy Foods: During your recovery, it’s advisable to steer clear of spicy foods, as they may lead to discomfort and irritation.
- Crunchy and Crumbly Foods: Foods like chips or cookies that are crunchy or crumbly can get stuck in the wound area, potentially leading to infections or complications.
- Grains, Seeds, and Nuts: These items can potentially become trapped in the surgical site, hindering the healing process. Therefore, it is advisable to steer clear of them.
- Chewy Foods: Avoid chewy foods in the initial days after the procedure, as they may heighten the risk of unintentional biting of your cheek, lips, or tongue, particularly while your mouth remains numb.
- Alcohol: Alcohol may irritate the wound and interact with any prescribed medication. It’s safest to avoid alcohol entirely during your recovery.
Furthermore, it’s advisable to avoid using straws during your wisdom tooth removal recovery. Straws can create suction in your mouth, potentially increasing the likelihood of a dry socket forming.
Conclusion
By following these instructions, along with any advice your dentist gives, you can ensure a smooth post-treatment recovery, allowing for proper healing as quickly as possible. It’s important not to rush the healing process; the wisdom tooth extraction site needs time to recover fully. Any attempts to expedite it may lead to increased discomfort and difficulties.
Our dentists at Valley Ridge Dental are available to assist you in developing an appropriate post-treatment plan, which includes dietary recommendations and timing. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to provide any assistance and support you might need.
FAQs
Is ice cream good after tooth extraction?
Ice cream can be a helpful choice following a tooth extraction, especially when you need to steer clear of hard foods. Hard foods can intensify pain because they demand significant chewing force and may agitate the gums. In contrast, ice cream doesn’t irritate the gums but provides soothing relief.
What should you not do after wisdom teeth removal?
During the initial 24 hours, refrain from rinsing, spitting, consuming hot beverages, or any actions that might disrupt the crucial blood clots forming in the empty tooth socket – these clots aid in the healing process. Also, for the first 24 hours, it’s important to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol. Opt for soft or liquid foods for a few days and use your other teeth for chewing.
Can you kiss after wisdom teeth removal?
Steer clear of vigorous rinsing, smoking, kissing, drinking through a straw, or any actions involving suction during your recovery. Excessive suction can lead to the dislodgment of the blood clot, lengthening the recovery process after a wisdom tooth removal.
