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What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 27-03-2024

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. Consequently, many of our Milton patients will need to have at least one wisdom tooth removed during their lifetime.

Once you’ve had a wisdom tooth removed, it’s crucial to stick to a diet of soft foods and lukewarm liquids while your body heals. With proper post-op care, you will be back to feeling like your normal self quickly and without any complications.

What Types of Food to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal

For the first 3–5 days after your wisdom tooth surgery, you must be very careful about what you eat (and what you don’t). Initially, you will have to change your eating habits to avoid dislodging natural blood clots, feeling pain, and slowing down the healing process.

It’s important to consume soft, mushy foods that are easy to chew while still providing the necessary nourishment. Eating foods high in vitamins, minerals, and energy will help you feel better and speed up your healing.

So, in summary, a diet consisting of soft foods and lukewarm liquids has the following benefits post-wisdom tooth removal:

• Minimizes discomfort: Soft foods are easier to chew, reducing discomfort and pain in the surgical area.
• Limits post-surgery complications: Hard and crunchy foods can irritate the surgical sites, causing complications like bleeding from dislodging blood clots.
• Promotes healing: Since soft foods and liquids are less likely to cause irritation and further damage, they don’t interfere with your healing.
• Maintains nutrition: Your body needs a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially as you heal.

Specific Ideas of What to Eat

Blended Soups

Blended soups are rich in nutrients, hydrating, and easy to eat. There are also no bits that could irritate the surgical site. This makes them the perfect choice during your first five days following a wisdom tooth removal.

Tomato soup and pumpkin soup are two great examples; however, you can get creative with your recipes. We suggest packing it with nutrient-dense vegetables and legumes, which are rich in the micronutrients needed during your healing.

Just make sure that the soup is lukewarm or cold and blended until it’s completely smooth. Hot or chunky soups can cause irritation.

Broths

Like soups, broths are a fantastic source of nourishment and hydration. Bone broth, in particular, is full of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Since broths are fully liquid, they lack any problematic food pieces. Still, the temperature matters. It must be lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating your mouth.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a go-to meal following wisdom tooth removal. They are loaded with nutrients while also being easy to consume and highly customizable. You can combine your favourite fruits, vegetables, and even a protein source into the blender, producing a delicious and nutritious smoothie.

It’s easy to boost your daily protein intake by adding Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder to the smoothie. Plus, Greek yogurt reduces the acidity of the smoothie, so it’s easier on your mouth. Fruits and vegetables, meanwhile, increase your fibre intake and provide plenty of vitamins and minerals.

You should avoid seeded fruits, however, since the seeds can get stuck in the extraction site. That means no strawberries or blackberries!

Yogurt

You can also eat the yogurt on its own! Greek yogurt, in particular, is full of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Plus, its creamy and smooth textures soothe your mouth, reducing irritation and discomfort. Yogurt also contains natural probiotics, which are essential for overall health.

Zinc, one of the key vitamins in Greek yogurt, promotes wound healing. Furthermore, high-protein foods may also help speed up the recovery process.

To bulk up your yogurt, add mashed bananas or stir in some jam. It will still be easier to eat, but even more filling and delicious.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another option after having a wisdom tooth removed. However, they need to be completely smooth without any chunks in them. You can add butter, milk, or water to make the potatoes easier to purée. In addition, it’s vital that you eat them lukewarm to prevent irritating your wound.

When perfectly smooth and lukewarm, mashed potatoes deliver the calories and nutrients that you need for your recovery. Since you require more calories while healing, don’t be afraid to ask for seconds.

Whipped Avocado

Whipped avocado (or guacamole) is tasty, nutritious, and easy to eat. Moreover, avocados are high in healthy fats and natural fibre, two things many patients struggle to get enough of after their wisdom tooth extraction. They’re also a rich source of vitamins K and C.

When whipped into a guacamole-like consistency, avocado becomes soft and creamy, so it won’t irritate your mouth. However, it remains extremely nutrient-dense.

Applesauce

Although you should avoid whole apples after surgery, applesauce is fine. Apples are hard and crunchy, which will irritate the surgical site. Applesauce, on the other hand, is soft and smooth. It’s rich in vitamins, particularly vitamins B, C, and E. As a result, eating applesauce can help reduce inflammation and pain while boosting your immune system.

More Great Ideas

• Puréed vegetables
• Mashed bananas
• Hummus
• Cottage cheese
• Salmon
• Pudding
• Banana or regular ice cream
• Scrambled eggs (after five days when you start eating semi-soft foods)
• Instant oatmeal (again, after five days)

What to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Sweet Foods

Sugary foods can get stuck in the surgical area and cause problems. Plus, the high sugar content increases bacterial growth, which can slow the healing process.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can cause irritation and burning sensations in the extraction spot. The tissues in your mouth are often more sensitive after surgery, making spicy foods painful or uncomfortable to consume.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard and crunchy foods can get lodged in the wound area, potentially resulting in infections and complications. They can also cut, scratch, and otherwise irritate your mouth.

Chewy Foods

Chewy foods should be avoided for the first few days. You might bite your cheek, lips, or tongue, especially while your mouth is still numb after the extraction.

Extremely Hot or Cold Foods

Your mouth, including the surgical site and surrounding tissues, will likely be more sensitive to temperature changes. Consequently, consuming very hot or very cold foods can cause pain in these highly sensitive areas. They can also trigger increased swelling.

Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate the wound, interact with medication, and delay the healing process.

Using a Straw

It’s very important that you do not use a straw while recovering from wisdom tooth extraction. When you use a straw, it creates suction in your mouth that can loosen an existing blood clot. If this happens, you’ll start bleeding again. The pressure caused by straws also increases your risk of developing a dry socket.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Milton

Milltown Dental provides wisdom tooth extractions in Milton. We use various modern techniques and technologies to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience during the procedure. If you have any questions about what you can and cannot eat, don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable and compassionate team.

To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction in Milton, call Milltown Dental at (833) 318-3281 or contact us here.

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