Best Guide On What To Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that many people undergo at some point in their lives. This could be due to impaction, crowding, or other dental issues, recovering from this surgery involves taking extra care, especially when it comes to your diet.

To make feeding after tooth extraction easier for you, we’ll provide you with a holistic guide on what to eat after wisdom tooth extraction, ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery.

What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction or third molar extraction, is a dental surgical technique used to remove one or more wisdom teeth, which are the last molars in the rear(back) of the mouth. Due to their restricted space and the possibility for misalignment, these teeth often erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood and can frequently cause a number of dental problems.

The Importance of a Post-Extraction Diet

After wisdom tooth extraction, your mouth will be sensitive, and it’s crucial to choose foods that won’t irritate the surgical area of your mouth. It is important to note that a suitable post-extraction diet promotes faster healing, reduces the risk of infection, and minimizes discomfort.

Immediate Post-Extraction Diet (First 24-48 hours)

To avoid irritating the surgical site during the first several days of recovery, limit your diet to liquids and a very soft diet. Below are healthy food ideas for you after wisdom tooth extraction or removal from 24 to 48 hours

• Broth: Warm, low-sodium broth is not only soothing but provides you with essential nutrients.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a recommended soft diet for someone who has undergone tooth extraction surgery (24 to 48 hours). Creamy mashed potatoes are easy to swallow and nutritious.
• Applesauce: Apple sauce is another suitable option for a diet after wisdom tooth removal. Unsweetened applesauce(most preferred) is a soft and gentle option.
• Yogurt: Yogurt is very much okay however, it’s best you settle for plain, non-acidic yogurt without chunks or seeds.
• Smoothies: Blended fruit and yogurt smoothies are a healthy combination and yet suitable diet for you if you have just undergone a wisdom tooth extraction and are a smoothie lover. It’s packed with vitamins and easy to consume.

Transitioning to Soft Foods (2-7 days post-surgery)

As your mouth begins to heal, you can gradually introduce more substantial soft foods from 2-7 days post-surgery. Some of the soft foods you can eat after wisdom tooth extraction include:

• Oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal is a warm, filling option. The keywords are cooked and warm. Ensure you cook your oatmeal very well and allow it to cool so it’s warm before eating.
• Scrambled Eggs: Soft, well-cooked scrambled eggs not only provide protein but are a suitable soft food idea for after a wisdom tooth removal surgery particularly from day 2 to day 7.
• Rice: Soft, well-cooked rice is easy to eat and digest. This is a common soft food recommended by dentists after wisdom teeth removal.
• Pasta: Soft pasta with a mild sauce is a good choice. Make sure to cook your pasta very soft so as to allow for easy chewing and swallowing
• Mashed Avocado: Avocado is soft and nutritious, perfect for spreading on toast.
• Pudding: Creamy pudding is a tasty treat that’s easy to swallow. It’s a perfect soft meal for your mouth as you heal from the discomfort caused by the wisdom tooth extraction.

Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

While choosing what to eat after wisdom tooth extraction, it’s equally important to know what not to eat after a wisdom tooth removal. Below are some irritating foods and habits to avoid after undergoing wisdom tooth removal:

• Spicy and Acidic Foods: Foods that are spicy or acidic can aggravate the surgical site.
• Crunchy or Hard Foods: Chips, nuts, and hard candies can all harm the healing region.
• Straws: The use of straws can create suction and dislodge the blood clot, which can lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket.
• Alcohol and Tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco might slow the healing process and raise the possibility of problems.

Staying Hydrated

In order to speed up the wisdom tooth extraction process, it is best to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can slow down your recovery.

Reasons Why it’s Important to Eat Well After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It is very likely to have a swollen cheek after a wisdom tooth removal. Also, wisdom tooth extraction comes with multiple complications if you don’t pay close attention to what you eat. Some of such complications include dry sockets and infection. Therefore, eating well and the right meal is absolutely necessary.

Essential Tips for a Speedy Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery

• Follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions.
• Take prescribed pain medications as directed by the physician.
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater after eating to keep the surgical site clean.
• Ensure you get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal.
• Avoid strenuous activities and exercise during the initial recovery period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Q: How long should you not eat before wisdom tooth removal? 

You’ll receive pre-operative instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon. One of the recommendations might be to abstain from food and liquids for eight hours prior to surgery, although this will depend on the kind of anesthesia they want to use.

The dentist or surgeon may suggest that you refrain from eating or drinking after midnight if your procedure is scheduled for the morning. To find out your precise instructions, speak with your dentist.

Q: How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth extraction?

Wisdom tooth removal recovery can take up to 2 weeks. However, you won’t be eating a soft diet for too long because you can go back to eating your normal food as soon as you feel better in your surgery region.

Q: What happens if you eat the wrong foods after wisdom teeth removal?

Hard foods like nuts, chips, and hard candies if eaten after wisdom tooth removal can get stuck in the socket or leave your surgical wound irritated which in turn can cause pain and bleeding and eventually make the healing process last longer.

Q: Can I have fruits after wisdom tooth extraction?

Yes, you can typically include soft, ripe fruits in your post-extraction diet. Fruits like bananas, applesauce, mashed avocado, and blended smoothies are excellent choices. These options are not only nutritious but also gentle on your healing gums, reducing the risk of irritation or damage to the surgical site.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your diet plays a significant role in your recovery after wisdom tooth extraction. Choosing the right foods can help minimize discomfort and foster a swift and easy healing process. Endeavor to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon for personalized dietary recommendations based on your specific case. By following these guidelines and taking good care of your oral health, you can ensure a smooth recovery from your wisdom tooth removal.