What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to arrive, coming in behind all your others. If your wisdom teeth are coming in at an awkward angle or you don't have room for them, it could lead to pressure, pain, infection, or damage to your smile. In this case, it's common for your dentist to recommend removing them before they break through the gums.
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be daunting, but with support from your dental team, all you should worry about is taking time to rest and recover. Make sure you eat soft foods after wisdom teeth removal and avoid anything hard or chewy. Over time, you can return to your regular diet, but your dentist can suggest a schedule based on your recovery.
Soft Foods
For the first 24–48 hours after your surgery, you'll be unable to eat any solid foods. This is where prep comes in—you'll want your pantry stocked with liquids and soft foods that can keep you energized without putting pressure on the surgical area. The less chewing, the better.
Have some of these soft foods on hand for recovery:
Pudding
Mashed potatoes
Applesauce
Yogurt
Broths
Pureed fruit
Cottage cheese
Hummus
Saying "eat soft things" sounds simple, especially when the alternative ends in pain. However, there are other reasons to fill your recovery diet with a range of healthy options.
Nutrient-Rich Smoothies & Soups
Blended soups and smoothies can be an excellent way to get adequate nutrition while your mouth heals. If you want a smoothie, blend plain yogurt, milk, and your favourite seedless fruits (avoid strawberries and blackberries).
You can also add protein powders or use Greek yogurt for a boost of protein. A high-protein diet is vital for a speedy recovery, and not enough could leave you down and out longer than you may hope.
If you choose to eat smoothies, it’s recommended to avoid straws, as the suction from a straw could dislodge your stitches or blood clot.
For soup, try blending boiled veggies until they're smooth. You don't want any chunks irritating the surgical area. Tomato and pumpkin are great options that can help you get the necessary nutrition you need and help you stay hydrated after surgery.
Just make sure your soup isn't too hot.
Cold Foods
It can be nice when something can fulfill 2 roles, and cold foods can be both nutritious and help reduce swelling and pain in the gums during your recovery. Ice cream is a classic recommendation after wisdom teeth recovery, but regular ice cream is packed full of sugar and fat. It simply can't be breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Instead, you could make some homemade banana ice cream. It may relieve some discomfort, plus bananas are loaded with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and delicious alternative to regular ice cream.
You can also have Jell-O and smoothies for some cold treats after wisdom teeth removal.
Moving to Semi-Soft Meals
As you begin to heal, you can gradually return to regular food. Your mouth may still be tender, so in the week after your surgery, start with semi-soft foods such as:
Scrambled eggs
Well-cooked macaroni and cheese
Instant oatmeal
Toast
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal:
What not to eat is just as important as what to eat. You must avoid anything that could irritate the surgical area or affect your healing.
After wisdom teeth removal, avoid:
Acidic or spicy foods, including soda and citrus juice
Tough food or anything that requires too much chewing
Seeds and grains, such as rice or quinoa, that could get stuck in the empty socket
Alcohol
Chips
Nuts
You should also avoid tobacco products or smoking of any kind after surgery, as it may increase your risk of infection.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Aftercare
After your wisdom teeth removal procedure, your dentist will give you a set of instructions to follow. These instructions are designed to help you avoid complications and promote healthy, effective recovery.
Recovery time is typically 3-4 days, but can vary. It's also common to feel the effects of surgery as much as 2 weeks later, especially if your teeth were impacted or coming in at an awkward angle.
Keep the Area Clean
Keep the area clean by gently dabbing it with soft, sterile gauze to absorb blood. If your dentist gave you a gauze pad to take home, keep it in place for an hour before checking for blood. You may need to replace the gauze if the wound is still bleeding.
If you notice excessive bleeding after 4 hours, call your dentist.
Salt Water Rinse
24 hours after surgery, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm water. You could also do this with salt water, which can stop bacteria growth and promote healing without irritating soft mouth tissues.
Simply add ½ teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water for a gentle salt water rinse. You should rinse 4–5 times daily for 3–4 days. Avoid spitting too hard so you don't dislodge the blood clot over the socket.
Manage the Pain
Swelling is a common symptom after wisdom teeth removal, though it typically doesn’t last more than a week. Apply a cold pack to the affected area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. This may help reduce inflammation and pain, so you can feel more comfortable.
Your dentist might also recommend prescription or over-the-counter pain medications to deal with any discomfort.
Your Oral Health Experts in Winnipeg
Navigating your wisdom teeth removal recovery doesn't have to be a challenge. By sticking to soft, nutritious foods and avoiding anything that could irritate your healing gums, you should be well on your way to a healthy recovery.
Here at Shine Dental, we're committed to supporting you throughout this journey, and our expert team is just a phone call away. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at one of our 3 Winnipeg clinics. We're here to help you smile brightly once again!