Wisdom tooth extraction remains a regular procedure at the dental office. However, what you’re eating right after extraction can make all the difference. Are you also looking for what to eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Following the need for the right diet for your health goals, you must know all the nits and grits about extraction and special wisdom teeth food that will make the recovery so much better.
So, let’s get onto it.
What Should You Do After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After your wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will give you a few post-op instructions; you must understand them fully and follow every step to expedite the recovery.
You might not be aware of this, but tooth extractions improve your overall health. So, you should follow these instructions after wisdom tooth removal:
- Bite firmly on the gauze piece, and avoid speaking with cotton in your mouth.
- Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours.
- Use an ice compress from outside for the first 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, rinse with warm saline 3–4 times a day.
- Do not use a straw for the next 24 hours.
What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Healing after an extraction eminently depends on the type of food after wisdom teeth removal. Your dentist would ask you to have water and a soft diet for the first 24 hours.
However, it is vital to understand the power of nutrition. Half knowledge is lethal, and only sticking to liquids in the form of water won’t suffice and might delay healing.
Malnutrition is a real problem after wisdom tooth extraction, as it’s natural to face hardship in finding good options.
How Long Should You Wait Before Eating Food After a Tooth Extraction?
It is recommended to stick to liquids and softer foods that do not require chewing for the first 24 hours. After which, you can start a semisolid diet, but there is no rush.
Pain and discomfort may keep you from eating, which is okay. Get on to different textures when you are ready, which usually takes 3-4 days. It might take up to 2 weeks to feel like yourself completely.
25 Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Let’s start with the necessity of life, water! Hydration is a key to healing, and having adequate water will help with recovery. That being said, it is ideal to start with colder foods, as they soothe the gums and reduce inflammation. With that being said, let’s begin the list of foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
- Infused water – Get a boost of nutrition from water by adding herbs and fruits of your choice. It makes for a refreshing drink while keeping you hydrated.
- Cottage cheese – A regular yet protein-rich option for wounded gums. You can add mild spices to make it more delicious, though.
- Ice cream – With even doctors prescribing it, Post extraction is the best time to binge on ice cream. Make sure to have plain ice cream without any nuts or crunch. You can try to have somewhat molten ice cream after 2 hours of extraction, which will even alleviate your pain for a while.
- Yogurt – Packed with probiotics, yogurt is another good option to soothe sore gums. Pick a flavor of your choice, or an unsweetened one would do. Take your pick.
- Chicken Soup – Have clear broth initially if you cannot chew on chicken, and once you can, put in shredded chicken and have it. Chicken soup is rich in protein, which you will need for recovery after extraction.
- Smoothies – The best way to incorporate nutrition in liquid form before you begin your journey to real food. You can use your creativity and whip up a smoothie of your choice that tingles your taste buds.
- Pudding – Puddings can be easy to eat due to their velvet texture and need less work in the mouth to ingest. Feel free to make one according to your preferences.
- Mashed potatoes – Another easy yet delicious option to make the transition to semisolids. The creamy texture makes it easier to swallow and gives you the calories you need for your daily activities. It is, rather, one of the easiest options in soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
- Creamed spinach – A great way to have the goodness of greens. Make a creamier version with cream and spinach; you are ready to go.
- Milkshake – Which is your favorite milkshake? It might be the best time to get one for yourself. Banana, strawberry, or an exotic mix; pick one according to your mood.
- Fruit sorbet – A frozen mix of purred fruit with water and sugar is an excellent way to have fruits that will soothe the gums.
- Herbal teas – Having a cup of herbal tea can help you relax and hydrate at the same time. Chamomile tea works best for sleep, and you can try different flavors for anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mac and cheese – Who does not like mac and cheese? It is definitely one of the mouth-watering options to have soft foods for wisdom teeth. Make your recipe of mac and cheese with extra cheese to make it creamier and softer, and have your comfort food guilt-free.
- Scrambled eggs – You can have eggs in any form once you begin eating softer foods. They are a great source of protein and an easier option to chew. However, scrambled eggs remain a perfect choice for salty cravings after tons of ice cream in the first few days.
- Avocado – Known for its nutrient-dense nature, avocado can be an easier way to get those needed vitamins and minerals. You can have it mashed or add it to a smoothie to reap the benefits.
- Oatmeal – Another comfort food that checks the boxes for the best food to eat after wisdom tooth removal. Have it the way you like; the only thing to remember is to keep it softer and less chewy and enjoy a wholesome meal.
- Fruits – Fruits, especially citrus ones, are a rich source of vitamin C, which plays an important role in wound healing. Peeled fruits, including oranges, strawberries, or raspberries, can be an interesting choice to have in various forms.
- Fish – Mashed fish is a protein-rich option that answers your search for wisdom tooth removal food. Steam the fish you like and have it mashed, topping it with spices of your choice. Keep in mind to not overdo the spices and keep it on a lighter note.
- Nut butter – Almond or peanut butter—remains a great choice to get those healthy fats and nutrients in one go. Nevertheless, take note of the allergies and have them the way you like them, keeping them soft and less chewy.
- Quinoa – Quinoa is a powerhouse of energy and supposedly a superfood that is a great addition to soft foods for wisdom teeth. Known for its versatility, it can be prepared in multiple forms, such as smoothies, pudding, porridge, or even soup, as per your choice.
- Steamed Veggies – Vegetables remain a no-brainer when we talk about nutrition, making steamed veggies an easier route to meet your nutritional requirements.
- Pastries – You can choose to convert your pain into gain by hogging a few pastries. And why not? They are soft, nonsticky alternatives to getting the needed ATP’s.
- Pasta – Everyone’s favorite pasta can be prepared in a milder form with tomato purée and fewer spices. Do not forget to make it extra mushy to soften the texture.
- Applesauce – Perfect time to have your favorite applesauce. A classic dish and an easy choice to answer what to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
- Custard – Get innovative and make a custard to have after tooth extraction on the next day, which is a soft and creamy option to answer the hunger pangs.
Well, now you don’t need to settle for bland foods. You can make any of these easy-to-cook recipes and be comfortable while your body recovers from the surgical extraction.
For more information about what to eat after wisdom teeth extraction, you can watch this YouTube video by Dr. Daniel Choi:
Suggested Read: 7 Best Foods for Healthy Skin: A Beginner’s Guide
What Should You Not Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
In addition to knowing various safe options to have after extraction, it is equally important to steer clear of things that can harm you. Try to avoid the consumption of –
- Spicy food – Do not add extra spices to your foods and chilies, of course; have simple food for a few days.
- Hot beverages – Avoid any hot beverage like tea or coffee for the first 24 hours. If you are habitually having your dose of caffeine, cool it down beforehand.
- Soda – Skip the urge to have carbonated beverages, as they can disrupt the blood clot and should be avoided. Moreover, having extra sugar puts the site at risk of infection, so avoid sugary drinks for a few days after the extraction.
- Alcohol – Alcohol can disrupt the healing process and can also interact with pain medications. Moreover, alcohol may dehydrate you, which is just the opposite of what we want after extraction.
- Smoke – Do not smoke for 72 hours after extraction, as it can delay healing and put you at increased risk of catching an infection.
Other than that, avoid using straws for a few days or rinsing/spitting, which can dislodge the blood clot.
Adhere to the guidelines, as doing the opposite can irritate the gums and disturb the extraction site, which in turn will interfere with the healing process.
When Should You Visit the Doctor?
If any complication arises, it is better to visit the doctor in charge. You should look for the following symptoms –
- Increased redness around the site
- Swelling that does not go down in a few days
- Increased pain
- Foul smell
- Bad taste
- Oozing pus
These symptoms might indicate dry sockets or neural damage and need immediate attention.
Bottom Line
Now that you know what you can eat after tooth removal, go ahead and binge on any of the food options mentioned in the blog. As there’s a link between oral health and mental health, you need to take good care of your oral hygiene and avoid eating certain foods that can harm the wound. If you notice any unusual symptoms, do not procrastinate; get it checked immediately.
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