Getting your wisdom teeth out is a pretty common procedure, but it can also be a pain — literally! After surgery, taking care of yourself properly is vital, and that includes knowing what you can and cannot eat.
A good diet is essential for healing and avoiding complications after wisdom teeth removal. But what can you eat after wisdom teeth removal? That’s what we’re here to explore.
This article will guide you through the dos and don’ts of post-op eating, offering a recovery timeline, food suggestions, and tips for keeping your mouth clean and healthy.
Why does diet matter after wisdom teeth removal?
Eating the right foods after wisdom teeth removal is crucial for a quick and smooth recovery. Good nutrition fuels tissue repair and helps you heal faster.
A proper diet also helps you avoid complications like dry socket and infection.
Dry socket is a painful condition that happens when the blood clot at the extraction site gets dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. Eating the wrong foods can increase the risk of this. Similarly, an improper diet can make you vulnerable to infections, potentially requiring antibiotics and further treatment. Sticking to soft foods and following your surgeon’s instructions are key to preventing these problems.
What Can You Eat? The First 24-48 Hours
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll want to take it easy on your mouth for a day or two, which means sticking to a liquid diet at first.
Liquid Diet
For the first 24 hours after surgery, you’ll want to stick to liquids, since they’re easy to swallow and won’t irritate the extraction site.
Some good choices include:
- Low-sodium broth
- Clear, strained soups
- Pulp-free fruit juice
- Gelatin
Whatever you do, don’t use a straw! The suction could dislodge blood clots and raise your risk of developing dry socket.
Transitioning to Soft Foods
After the first day, you can gradually add soft foods to your diet. Some good options include:
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Pudding
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
In the days following wisdom teeth removal, it’s best to stay away from foods that could irritate the surgical site or interfere with healing. Here’s a list of foods to avoid.
Foods that require chewing
- Hard or crunchy foods like chips, nuts, and popcorn can irritate the extraction site and dislodge those all-important blood clots.
- Chewy foods like gum, tough meats, and caramel require lots of chewing, which can strain the surgical area.
Irritating foods
- Spicy foods can cause pain and inflammation.
- Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, can irritate the sensitive healing tissues.
Other foods to avoid
- Grains and seeds can get stuck in the extraction site.
- Alcohol, soft drinks, and caffeinated beverages can interfere with the healing process.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Food Timeline
It can be tough to know exactly what to eat and when in the days after wisdom teeth removal. Here’s a general timeline to guide you through the process.
Day 1: Liquid Diet
For the first 24 hours after surgery, you’ll want to stick to clear liquids like broth and juice. It’s important to avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge blood clots and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
Days 2-3: Soft Foods
As you start to feel a bit better, you can introduce soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. Pay close attention to your pain levels and avoid anything that requires chewing.
Days 4-5: Semi-Soft Foods
If you’re tolerating the soft foods well, you can gradually introduce slightly more solid options, such as scrambled eggs or well-cooked pasta. Continue to steer clear of hard, crunchy, and chewy items that could irritate the extraction sites.
Day 6 and Beyond: Gradual Return to Normal Diet
Around a week after your surgery, you can slowly start reintroducing regular foods as you feel comfortable. Listen to your body and avoid anything that causes pain or discomfort. Keep an eye on the healing process and consult with your dentist if you have any concerns.
Keeping your mouth clean after surgery
Here’s how to keep your mouth clean and free from infection after your wisdom teeth have been removed:
- Rinsing gently. After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. This helps dislodge food particles and keeps the surgical sites clean.
- Brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth carefully, but avoid brushing the extraction sites for the first few days. Floss as usual, but be very careful around the surgical area until it has healed.
- Removing food particles. Rinsing gently is the best way to remove food. Don’t poke around in the extraction sites with any sharp objects.
What if something goes wrong?
Here’s what to look out for:
Dry Socket
Call your dentist if you notice:
- throbbing pain that starts a few days after your surgery
- a bad smell or taste in your mouth
- bone visible in the extraction site
Infection
Carefully follow your dentist’s instructions for keeping your mouth clean. Contact your dentist if you notice fever, swelling, or pus.
When to Call the Dentist
Call your dentist’s office if you think you’re experiencing complications, excessive pain, or bleeding.
Summary
After wisdom teeth removal, what you eat and drink plays a big role in how quickly and easily you recover. Sticking to the dietary guidelines provided by your dentist or oral surgeon is essential for a smooth recovery.
The main things to keep in mind are to start with liquids and very soft foods, and to avoid anything that could irritate the extraction sites. And, of course, good oral hygiene is always important.
Remember that everyone’s different, and your individual needs may vary. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon for personalized advice about what to eat and drink after wisdom teeth removal.