After wisdom teeth removal, your dentist will advise you to stay hydrated and consume soft foods. It is crucial to ensure you get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals to aid in the healing process. Malnutrition can hinder wound healing, so maintaining a balanced diet is essential.
Choosing the right foods immediately after surgery is also important to prevent a complication known as “dry socket.” A dry socket occurs when the blood clot from the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and delay healing.
What to eat on the day of surgery
Here are some soft foods you can include in your diet right after wisdom tooth removal:
- Applesauce or pureed fruits (baby food is a good option)
- Warm (not hot) broth or cream soups
- Smoothies (avoid using a straw)
- Cottage cheese
- Milk
- Pudding or jelly
- Yogurt
- Hummus
- Protein shakes (without a straw)
Including a source of protein in your meals is important for speeding up wound healing. Here are some protein-rich soft foods to consider:
- Boneless fish filets
- Cooked lentils, beans, or chickpeas
- Tofu
- Scrambled eggs
- Greek yogurt
When to Start Eating
You can start eating whenever you feel ready after surgery, but the lingering numbness from anesthesia might make it challenging to coordinate chewing and swallowing. You might also experience some drooling until the anesthesia wears off completely. Soft foods that don’t require much chewing are best until you regain full sensation in your mouth.
When can you reintroduce solid foods?
Solid foods can typically be reintroduced about 3 to 4 days after surgery, depending on your comfort level and pain. Full recovery from wisdom tooth extraction can take up to 2 weeks, but you won’t need to stick to a soft diet for the entire period. Listen to your body and resume eating regular foods when it feels comfortable to do so.
What food and drink should you avoid after wisdom teeth removal?
Certain foods and drinks can irritate the surgery sites and slow down the healing process. Avoid the following until proper healing occurs:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods and beverages
- Hot foods and drinks (like coffee and tea)
- Hard, crunchy, and crumbly foods (like chips, popcorn, and cookies)
- Grains, seeds, and nuts that could get lodged in the wound
- Chewy foods (like candy)
- Carbonated beverages (like soda or seltzers)
- Alcohol
What habits should you avoid after wisdom tooth surgery?
- Avoid using straws: Avoid using straws for at least a week after surgery. The sucking action can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a dry socket and severe pain.
- Avoid rinsing and spitting: For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid rinsing or spitting. Instead, let saliva or blood dribble from your mouth to avoid disrupting the surgical site.
- Do not smoke. Refrain from smoking for at least 72 hours after surgery. Tobacco products reduce oxygen in the bloodstream, which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
Ensure you have enough soft and semi-soft foods stocked up for a few days post-wisdom tooth extraction. Consider items like yogurt, applesauce, potatoes, and ingredients for smoothies. Prioritize protein intake to aid wound healing. Consult your dentist if you face difficulties in maintaining your diet post-surgery to ensure proper nutrition during recovery. Adhering to a good oral health routine is crucial for a successful and seamless recovery process.
For any inquiries or uncertainties regarding your post-operative diet, seek guidance from your local Weatherford dentist. They can offer tailored suggestions to promote a prompt and safe recovery. Give priority to your oral hygiene regimen and implement the essential measures for a successful recuperation following the removal of your wisdom teeth.
