After having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s normal to be concerned about what you can eat. Recovery after wisdom tooth removal surgery can be challenging if you don’t take care of your mouth. You also need good nutrition to give your body the best chance to heal.
This post will explore the best foods to eat after wisdom tooth removal and why a healthy diet is so important for the healing process.
What You CAN Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Best 8 Foods
After wisdom teeth surgery, you’ll experience some soreness and swelling, which can make it difficult to bite, chew, and even swallow certain foods. But there are many delicious and nutritious options for your post-surgery diet.
The goal here is to add more soft foods to your diet so they don’t interrupt wound healing. Some of the best foods to eat include:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are soft, easy to swallow, and comforting, which means they’ll be gentle against your extraction wound. Also, potatoes are high in calories, which will give you the energy you need to recover after the surgery.
2. Smoothies
A smoothie made with fruits like bananas or berries and a scoop of protein powder can give you essential nutrients while being gentle on your mouth. Try not to use a straw, since sucking can dislodge blood clots and delay healing.
3. Scrambled Eggs
According to a 2022 study on the health benefits of egg protein, scrambled eggs are a good source of protein and vitamins A and B12, which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and helping you heal. Plus, eggs have a mushy consistency that is easy on the extraction area.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is soft and soothing on your mouth, making it an ideal food after wisdom tooth removal. We recommend Greek yoghurt because it’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and zinc. According to a 2021 study on the role of calcium in wound healing and a 2017 analysis of zinc in wound healing, these minerals support wound healing by promoting blood clotting and favourable scarring, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating the formation of new tissues.
5. Applesauce
Whole apples are too crunchy, which can irritate the extraction site and affect healing. Also, the sharp pieces can get stuck in the attraction, causing pain and trauma to the wound. Applesauce, on the other hand, is a great choice. It’s smooth and gentle on your mouth and has lots of vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation and improve wound closure.
6. Broth-Based Soups
Choose soups that are broth-based because they have high vitamin and mineral content, which supports healing. Also, broths have high amounts of amino acids, which have anti-inflammatory benefits. Just make sure your broth is lukewarm or cold so it doesn’t irritate your surgical site.
7. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is soft and has a lot of protein, making it an ideal food during recovery. It can also help keep your mouth comfortable as you heal and start eating semi-solid foods.
8. Avocados
Avocados are low in carbs and rich in healthy fats. They can support the healing process and provide B Vitamins that aid in recovery. Plus, their smooth, creamy texture is gentle for the recovery period.
Wisdom Teeth Food Timeline: How to Handle the First Few Days
The first few days after your wisdom tooth removal are the most important for eating the right foods and promoting proper healing. Here’s how to handle food in the days after your surgery:
First 24 Hours After Dental Surgery
During the first 24 hours, you should stick to soft, cool foods. Avoid eating anything hot or spicy, since it can irritate the site and delay healing. Also, try not to chew on the side where your wisdom tooth was removed; otherwise, this might cause you unnecessary pain.
Recommended Foods:
- Smoothies (without a straw)
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Ice cream (without chunks or nuts)
- Pudding
Days 2 and 3
As the swelling goes down, you can start introducing more foods into your diet. However, stick with soft items and avoid chewy or crunchy foods.
Recommended Foods:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Broth-based soups or herbal tea
- Cream of wheat or oatmeal
- Soft pasta or noodles
Days 4 and 5
By this time, you may be feeling better, with much lower pain levels. However, you should still avoid hard and chewy foods. Also, keep up with your pain medication to make it easier to eat.
At this stage, focus more on nutritious meals to speed up healing. You can also introduce slightly firmer foods that you don’t need to chew a lot.
Recommended Foods:
- Well-cooked vegetables
- Smoothies with added protein powder
- Soft fish like salmon or tuna
Day 6 and Onward
By day 6, you can add harder foods into your diet, such as soft bread and meats. If you’re healing properly and your mouth feels good, you can even start transitioning to a normal diet. However, keep your comfort level in mind. Remember, everyone heals at their own pace, so use this as a general guideline.
Recommended Foods:
- Soft fruits like bananas and peeled peaches
- Soft meats like chicken or turkey
- Soft bread, but not crusty
- Well-cooked Rice or quinoa
What NOT to Eat During Recovery and Why
While there are plenty of great food options, oral surgery also comes with some dietary restrictions. It’s because eating the wrong foods could delay your healing, affect prescribed medication, cause infection, or lead to more severe complications such as dry socket. Here are some foods to avoid after wisdom tooth removal:
- Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can cause irritation and discomfort to your surgical sites. If you can, avoid these until you fully heal.
- Crunchy or Chewy Foods: Foods like chips and hard candies can dislodge blood clots or get stuck in the extraction site. This can lead to infections, which prolong healing.
- Crunchy and Crumbly Foods: Foods like granola, crackers, and toast can irritate your healing gums and may lead to painful complications. Avoid crunchy foods as much as possible while you’re healing.
- Hot Foods and Beverages: Hot liquids and foods can burn your mouth and irritate the extraction site. The burning will also interfere with blood clot formation.
- Acidic Foods and Drinks: Citrus fruits and caffeinated beverages (like coffee) can increase irritation, so avoid them, especially during the first few days.
Soft Food Diet Grocery List
Here’s a helpful grocery list for your soft food diet:
- Potatoes
- Creamy soups (broth-based)
- Greek yogurt
- Applesauce
- Pudding or custard
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Avocados
- Soft pasta or noodles
- Bananas and other soft fruits (peeled)
- Veggies like carrots or spinach
- Oatmeal and cream of wheat
You should also keep a few items on hand after the surgery, such as ice packs and warm salt water for mouth rinses, to help with the swelling and keep your mouth clean. Also, stay hydrated so you don’t develop issues like dry socket and infections.
Why It’s Important to Eat Well After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Proper nutrition after wisdom tooth removal helps the healing process by:
- Reducing Swelling: According to Harvard Medical School, certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation, which helps in smooth healing.
- Promote Faster Healing: According to a 2024 study on the impact of nutrition on skin wound healing and aesthetic outcomes, protein and vitamins support tissue repair and immune function. Therefore, adding foods such as eggs and well-cooked vegetables to your diet will help you heal faster.
- Maintain Energy: According to a 2009 study by Robert Demling on the wound healing process, your body will need more energy after surgery, often for tissue repair and to help fight potential infections. Good food gives your body the energy to heal properly.
Paramount Dentistry: Wisdom Teeth Removal & Aftercare By Experts That Care
At Paramount Dentistry, we understand how important it is to have a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth surgery. Our compassionate team offers sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Our patient-focused services extend to aftercare, with clear instructions and guidance on managing your recovery and avoiding irritation.
We will make your visit stress-free with the help of advanced technology and a team that treats you like family.
See our wisdom teeth surgery services for kind, compassionate care you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drink from a Straw After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
No. Using a straw will create suction in your mouth, which could dislodge the blood clot and increase the risk of dry socket. Avoid straws, especially for the first few weeks.
How Long Do I Need to Stick to Soft Foods After Surgery?
You need to eat soft foods for about 5-7 days after surgery. This timeline works for most patients, but every patient heals differently. Listen to your body if you’re still in pain or uncomfortable, and continue the soft-food diet for as long as you need to.
Can I Eat Dairy Products Like Cheese After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes! Dairy products such as soft cheese and yogurt are great options. They’re comfortable to eat, and you can choose options that are relatively healthy.
When Can I Eat Solid Foods Again?
You can eat solid foods after about 7 days, but it depends on how you’re healing. Start slowly and only keep going if you’re comfortable. But if you’re not seeing any signs of healing, consult with our professionals.
Conclusion
Tasteless food and discomfort are what most people imagine for recovery after wisdom teeth removal. But it’s less scary than this. With the right choices, you can stay healthy and help your mouth heal faster and better. Stick to soft foods, and avoid anything that could irritate your surgical sites.
Also, remember that Paramount Dentistry is here to help with your wisdom tooth removal surgery and expert care throughout your recovery. Our team will make your journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Reference List
- Harvard Health Publishing. Foods That Fight Inflammation. Harvard Health. (2024, 26/03/24.), Harvard Medical School.
- Seth, Ishith, et al. Impact of Nutrition on Skin Wound Healing and Aesthetic Outcomes: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. (2024, 23/01/24) JPRAS Open, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Lau, Beatrice Y, et al. Dietary Strategies to Optimize Wound Healing after Periodontal and Dental Implant Surgery: An Evidence-Based Review. (2013, 05/04/13) The Open Dentistry Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Puglisi, Michael J, and Maria Luz Fernandez. The Health Benefits of Egg Protein. (2022, 15/07/22) Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Subramaniam, Thayaalini, et al. The Role of Calcium in Wound Healing. (2021, 17/06/21) International Journal of Molecular Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Lin, Pei-Hui, et al. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. (2017, 24/12/17) Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Demling, Robert H. Nutrition, Anabolism, and the Wound Healing Process: An Overview. (2009, 03/02/09) Eplasty, U.S. National Library of Medicine.