Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many dental issues like inflamed gums or improper jaw structure require the wisdom tooth or the third molar to be removed. There are more than 5 million people in US alone who undergo the surgery to remove their wisdom tooth annually. However, people suffer from inflammation and general discomforts for some days after the wisdom tooth has been extracted. You need to use caution while eating. Read on to learn about the foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, so that you can have a speedy and proper recovery.

Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

The foods that you eat after wisdom teeth removal should be soft and easier to chew along with being nutritious and healthy to allow you to heal quickly. Choose from the list below:

  1. Mashed potatoes: They are soft to chew, contain dietary fiber and provide nutrition. When whipped to a smooth consistency and topped with butter/sour cream, they are a tasty and healthy treat. You can even opt for sweet potatoes if required.
  2. Yoghurt: Yoghurts with a smooth consistency are ideal foods to eat after wisdom tooth removal. The lemon and strawberry flavored yoghurts provide essential nutrients. Avoid yoghurts with nuts or other mix-ins to prevent chewing while eating.
  3. Ice cream: The cool nature of the ice cream soothes the inflammation in the tissues and helps in rapid recovery. Eat the ice cream with a spoon and avoid the sharp edges of cones.
  4. Milkshakes: Milkshakes are easier to eat/drink after surgery. You can add protein powders or meal replacement packets for additional nutrients. Always ask for spoons when ordering milkshakes in restaurants, so as to avoid sucking. You can even use the instant packets for faster preparations.
  5. Applesauce: The smooth texture of applesauce makes it a great soft food. It is packed with vitamin C and essential fibers that can help in healing. It does not require too much jaw movement and can prevent soreness.
  6. Fruit smoothies: Eat lots of fresh or frozen fruits with yoghurt and ice in form of smoothies as their frosty nature will soothe the tender tissue, and provide the body with essential micronutrients and vitamins. Use seedless fruits like bananas in the smoothies. You can add protein powders for additional nutrients.
  7. Puddings: Puddings are available in many flavors and can help you avoid boredom while eating. Additionally, their smooth texture and short preparation time make it easy to eat. Choose the lemon flavor if you are sick of the sweet taste.
  8. Soup: Soups are a great source of added nutrition and are definitely among the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. Avoid large vegetable chunks in soups and choose chicken noodle, cream of celery, tomato bisque, etc.
  9. Scrambled eggs and cheese: The soft, smooth and easy-to-chew eggs and cheese are great, tasty options to provide the much-needed proteins for your body.
  10. Instant oatmeal: They are great to eat with sugar, jam or syrups. However, start eating them after 3 days of surgery or the oats can irritate you and cause discomforts. Do not add fruits and nuts while eating.
  11. Pastas and pastinas: Pastinas are star-shaped small noodles that can be eaten due to their small size. Pasta that has been cooked until very soft can be eaten after wisdom tooth removal.
  12. Meats: Pork, beef, poultry, fish and other meats that have been well cooked can be eaten after your wisdom tooth is extracted. Cut the meat in very small pieces and chew it on the non-extracted side to avoid discomfort.
  13. Drinks: Most beverages are allowed after surgery. Steer clear of very hot or very cold drinks as they can increase your pain. Avoid alcohol while consuming pain medications.

Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Along with knowing what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, it is equally important to know the foods that you need to avoid for a speedy recovery.

  • It is imperative to avoid foods that can crumble easily or break to small pieces like cookies, chips, crackers, popcorn or foods containing nuts or sprinkles. These small and hard pieces of food can get lodged in the site of extraction and disrupt the formation of clots, causing infections. Hence, avoid eating thick grains or smoothies with seeds or any nuts.
  • Stay away from acidic and spicy foods to aid in recovery. Acidic foods can cause stinging at the site of the wound and lead to pain and discomfort.
  • Refrain from eating sticky and chewy substances or foods that require your mouth to be opened very wide. Once you are on the way of recovery, you can start including hard or solid foods in your diet.
  • You need to avoid overdriving your muscles while eating because that can cause undue pressure in your mouth. Sucking leads to removal of clots that help in healing and can lead to dry sockets, which is a serious side effect. While it is very important to stay hydrated and consume lots of liquids, avoid using a straw.
 
 
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