Eating after a wisdom teeth removal is an art of its own, requiring careful navigation through dietary choices while balancing post-operative recovery. Our bodies, the complex, beautiful entities that they are, need nourishment to heal, particularly after surgical procedures like wisdom teeth extraction.
And so, let us begin this exploration together, one careful bite at a time.
I. What to eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Immediately after wisdom teeth removal, it is recommended to stick to a liquid diet. This can include bouillon, warm broth, smooth, pureed soups, smoothies, milkshakes, Greek yogurt, creamy peanut butter, nutritional supplement drinks (like Ensure, Boost, Carnation, Glucerna, etc.), pudding, and sherbet.
However, it’s important not to use a straw as it can create a suction vacuum inside your mouth and risk dislodging the forming blood clot over your wisdom teeth extraction sites.
Day1
On the first day after wisdom teeth removal, it’s crucial to stick to a liquid diet to aid in the healing process and avoid any complications.
This includes consuming foods and drinks that are easy to swallow and don’t require chewing. You can have warm broth, pureed soups, and smoothies.
Nutritional supplement drinks like Ensure or Boost can also be beneficial. Greek yogurt, creamy peanut butter, and pudding are other good options.
It’s important to avoid using a straw as it can dislodge the forming blood clot at the extraction site.
Also, avoid hot foods and beverages as they can irritate the surgical sites. Remember, proper nutrition is key to a speedy recovery, so try to include nutrient-rich foods in your diet.
Day 2
On the second day after wisdom teeth removal, you can start introducing soft foods into your diet. This includes foods that require minimal chewing, such as oatmeal, mashed bananas, and applesauce.
Soft noodles, scrambled eggs, and mashed avocados are also good options. You can also have steamed and mashed vegetables like cauliflower and zucchini.
Continue to avoid hot and spicy foods as they can irritate the surgical sites.
Remember, it’s still important to avoid using a straw to prevent dislodging the blood clot at the extraction site. Always follow your dentist’s specific instructions for a smooth recovery.
Days 3 and 4
By the third and fourth day after wisdom teeth removal, your mouth should be healing and you can start to reintroduce more solid foods into your diet.
Soft, cooked meats, rice, and cooked vegetables can be consumed.
You can also try eating soft fruits like bananas and peaches. However, it’s still crucial to avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the healing surgical sites.
Remember to continue avoiding straws as the suction can disrupt the healing process. Always listen to your body and eat what feels comfortable.
Day 5
On the fifth day after wisdom teeth removal, your mouth should be healing well, allowing you to reintroduce a wider variety of foods.
You can now consume foods like soft bread, cooked vegetables, and pasta. Soft, cooked meats and fish can also be added to your meals.
However, it’s still important to avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the healing surgical sites.
Continue to avoid using straws as the suction can disrupt the healing process.
Always listen to your body and eat what feels comfortable. Keep prioritizing nutritious foods to aid in your recovery.
Day 6 and day 7
By the sixth day after wisdom teeth removal, your mouth should be significantly healed, allowing you to reintroduce most foods back into your diet.
You can now enjoy a wider variety of soft foods and even some semi-solid foods. Foods like soft bread, cooked vegetables, pasta, and soft meats should be comfortable to eat.
However, continue to avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the healing surgical sites.
Also, avoid using straws as the suction can disrupt the healing process.
By the seventh day, you can reintroduce most foods back into your diet, and continue to prioritize nutritious foods to aid in recovery.
II. Can I eat bread after wisdom teeth removal?
It is generally recommended to avoid bread immediately after the procedure, as the texture of bread, particularly crusty or toasted varieties, can potentially irritate the surgical sites or become lodged in them, leading to discomfort or infection.
However, as the healing process progresses, typically around the third or fourth-day post-surgery, softer types of bread may be introduced into the diet.
It is crucial to ensure that the bread is soft and easy to chew, to avoid putting undue stress on the healing areas.
Foods like soft white bread, wheat bread, flatbread, and flour tortillas are often suggested.
If the healing process is going well and there is no pain or discomfort when eating at the end of the first week, more substantial types of bread may be taken.
III. How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat normally?
After wisdom teeth removal, the period of time to wait before resuming regular eating habits varies fundamentally according to individual healing processes, but in general, it is considered safe to resume normal eating habits within seven to ten days as discussed in the first question.
Nevertheless, it is vital to monitor your body’s reactions carefully, especially during the first 72 hours.
During the initial recovery period, to reduce the risk of disturbing the clot, thus avoiding dry alveolitis, a complication that can exacerbate discomfort, opt for soft, easily ingested foods such as yogurt, applesauce or mashed potatoes.
It’s best to avoid foods containing tiny particles that can become lodged in the nozzle, as well as hot, spicy, crunchy or hard foods.
Avoid using straws, as the suction can disrupt clot formation, prolonging healing time.
IV. Are there any drinks to avoid after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, it’s true that certain beverages should be avoided with caution to ensure a smoother, more effective healing process.
Firstly, as has been pointed out on several occasions, straws should absolutely be avoided when consuming any post-extraction beverage.
Secondly, it is strongly advised to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages for at least 24 hours after surgery, preferably up to 72 hours.
Intrinsically, alcohol can interfere with prescribed medications, possibly causing an adverse reaction, while caffeine can increase swelling, prolonging the recovery period.
In addition, hot drinks such as coffee or tea should also be avoided, at least until the numbness from anesthesia wears off, to prevent inadvertent burning.
They are also likely to enhance bleeding, which could potentially hinder the healing process.
Ultimately, favoring hydration with room-temperature or cold, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages that are gentle on the oral cavity is the most conducive approach.
V. What to eat to speed up healing after wisdom teeth removal?
In the first few days after extraction, it’s essential to opt for softer foods, thus minimizing pressure on the surgical site.
Pureed fruits, broths, yogurt and pureed vegetables are excellent, easy-to-eat, nutrient-rich choices.
As recovery progresses, the gradual incorporation of proteins, such as eggs or tofu, can actually promote healing.
They play a major role in the repair of body tissues, especially gum tissue.
In addition, foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges or peppers, can be very helpful in healing dental surgery wounds, as well as boosting your immune system.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish or flaxseed, have very interesting anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling.
Also, vitamin A-rich foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots or spinach help produce white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infection and speeding recovery.
VI. Other Questions about eating after wisdom teeth removal
1. Can I eat pasta after wisdom teeth removal?
Certainly, pasta can be incorporated into your diet following wisdom tooth extraction.
However, it’s vital to ensure it’s adequately soft and easy to chew, ideally without needing to grind it in the extraction area.
Typically, pasta is considered safe to consume 2-3 days post-surgery, assuming you’re comfortable and there are no complications.
2. Can I eat rice after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s often advisable to wait until about 3-5 days post-procedure to reduce the risk of rice grains lodging in the extraction site.
Eating it when it’s softer and consuming small amounts initially can ensure a safer transition.
3. Can I eat pizza after my wisdom teeth are removed?
Eating pizza after wisdom tooth extraction requires careful consideration, primarily due to its often hard, crunchy crust. To mitigate potential complications, it’s typically suggested that patients wait until about 7-10 days post-procedure.
4. Can dairy products be consumed after wisdom teeth removal?
Absolutely, dairy products like yogurt, milk, or cheese can be consumed immediately after wisdom tooth extraction.
They’re gentle on the surgical site and highly nourishing. However, avoid products that might require aggressive chewing until you’re comfortable doing so, typically around 3-5 days post-procedure.
5. What fruits can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Soft fruits, such as bananas, peaches, or canned fruit, can be consumed immediately after wisdom tooth extraction.
Harder fruits like apples should be avoided until healing progresses, typically around 7-10 days post-surgery.
6. Can I eat ice cream after wisdom teeth removal?
Absolutely, ice cream is not only permissible but often recommended after wisdom tooth extraction, given its soft consistency and cool temperature, which can help soothe discomfort and swelling.
It can be enjoyed immediately post-procedure, but remember to consume it in moderation due to its high sugar content.
7. Can I eat spicy food after wisdom teeth removal?
Spicy foods should ideally be avoided in the initial recovery period after wisdom tooth extraction as they might irritate the surgical site.
However, once healing has progressed and comfort levels permit, typically around 7-10 days post-procedure, spicy foods can be cautiously reintroduced into the diet.
8. Are protein shakes safe after wisdom teeth removal?
Protein shakes are indeed a suitable option post wisdom teeth extraction, offering a nourishing, easy-to-consume alternative to solid foods.
You can safely incorporate protein shakes into your diet immediately after the procedure.
Remember, though, to consume them cold as hot liquids might disrupt the clotting process.
9. Can I eat meat after wisdom teeth removal?
While meat is a valuable source of protein, its consumption post wisdom teeth extraction should be delayed until the healing process has significantly advanced.
This typically occurs around 10-14 days post-surgery. Opt for tender, well-cooked meat, and ensure it’s sufficiently cut into manageable, bite-sized pieces to prevent complications.
10. What to eat after wisdom teeth removal if I am vegan?
Initially, foods like mashed avocado, applesauce, and well-cooked mashed lentils are excellent choices.
Fortified plant-based milk can also provide a good supply of protein and vitamins.
As your recovery progresses, usually after a week, introduce softer whole foods like ripe bananas, cooked beans, and steamed vegetables.
Always prioritize comfort and ease of chewing during this recovery period.
11. Can I eat nuts after wisdom teeth removal?
Resuming the consumption of nuts after wisdom teeth removal should be undertaken with caution.
Initially, their hard texture can harm healing sites.
However, generally, by the third-week post-procedure, your mouth should be healed enough to gradually reintroduce nuts into your diet, albeit carefully chewed and in small quantities.
12. Can I eat scrambled eggs after wisdom teeth removal?
Scrambled eggs, being soft and easy to chew, are indeed an optimal choice after wisdom teeth removal.
Typically, you can safely start eating them as early as the day following the surgery, provided you feel comfortable and the act of eating does not cause any pain or discomfort.
13. Can I eat popcorn after wisdom teeth removal?
Eating popcorn after wisdom teeth removal is ill-advised, as kernels can lodge in healing sockets, potentially causing discomfort or infection.
Generally, you should wait approximately two weeks, or until full healing has transpired, before indulging in popcorn to ensure safety and maintain oral health.
14. Can I drink coffee after wisdom teeth removal?
Consuming coffee post wisdom teeth removal isn’t outrightly prohibited, yet caution is paramount. Hot beverages might disrupt clot formation, exacerbating bleeding, whilst caffeine can affect sleep, crucial for recuperation.
Typically, abstain for 24-48 hours, thereafter, imbibe lukewarm, decaffeinated versions, reintroducing regular coffee cautiously around day four post-extraction.
15. Can I eat sushi after wisdom teeth removal?
Sushi, though soft and mostly safe, might harbor bacteria potentially instigating infections post wisdom teeth extraction. Foremost, avoid sushi first 48-72 hours post-procedure.
Thereafter, cautiously introduce well-made sushi around day four, ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients.
16. Can I eat hot food after wisdom teeth removal?
Caution is advised when considering hot foods post wisdom teeth extraction, primarily due to potential burn risks while your mouth is still numb.
From day two, lukewarm foods are acceptable but steer clear from extremely hot meals until your oral sensitivity completely returns, which varies from person to person.
17. What to eat if I have diabetes and just had wisdom teeth removed?
After wisdom teeth removal, diabetic patients should opt for nutrient-dense, soft foods that maintain blood sugar levels.
Steamed vegetables, avocados, soft-cooked lean proteins, and mashed cauliflower serve as ideal choices.
Begin with liquids, gradually introducing solid foods, typically from day 2 onwards, monitoring glucose meticulously.
18. Can I eat fish after wisdom teeth removal?
Consuming fish after wisdom teeth removal is generally safe, albeit with stipulations. Soft, well-cooked fish can typically be consumed from the second day onwards.
However, caution must be exercised to avoid dislodging the clot on the extraction site. Crunchy, hard-cooked fish should be postponed until full recovery.
19. Can I eat oatmeal after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, oatmeal, especially when prepared to a softer consistency, can be an excellent post-operative choice following wisdom teeth extraction.
Generally, patients can comfortably start consuming foods like oatmeal from day 2, ensuring it isn’t too hot to prevent irritation and complication while promoting recovery.
20. What are some dessert options after wisdom teeth removal?
Post wisdom teeth removal, indulgence in desserts can start from day one, albeit carefully.
Opt for soft, cool options like pudding or applesauce initially, progressing to slightly denser choices such as moist cake or ice cream, typically by day 3.
Useful Links:
Antibiotics to prevent complications following tooth extractions
Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients in Need of Third Molar Removal and Oral Specimen Acquisition