What to Do Before Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Just before the wisdom teeth are to be extracted, a person should definitely take care of his/her body in a proper way with healthy eating and physical care. The Lema Dental Clinic team led by Dr. Polen Akkılıç, explains that nutrition is the main factor of the body’s immune system and the recovery process after the operation. Certainly, it is far better to start prepping your meals several days before when you will be allowed to eat soft and easily digestible foods only. Eating mashed potatoes, soups, eggs, and smoothies is very good. These kinds of foods are safe for teeth and gums, thus they do not cause much damage to the mouth, and at the same time, they supply the necessary nutrients. Water intake is also very vital, so please do not forget to drink water in order to keep your body in good condition for the surgery.
If that is not enough, it is good not to consume any alcohol or smoke before your operation because energy from these sources can affect your anesthesia and healing will be slow. Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız explains that both alcohol and tobacco products may lead to difficulties in blood clot formation, which is very important for the healing process after wisdom tooth removal. It is also very important to follow the oral surgeon’s instructions to the letter if he advises you to stop taking medications or supplements. In some cases, your doctor might ask you to stop taking certain medications like blood thinners and supplements that are rich in vitamin E before your operation. Always make sure that your dentist’s referral is in line with these changes.
What to Don’ts Before Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
- Avoid Solid or Hard Foods: Within a period of several days before a wisdom tooth extraction, try not to eat foods that require a lot of chewing, e.g. nuts, raw vegetables, and tough meats. Such foods may put unnecessary strain on your teeth and gums and hence, your extraction might not go as smoothly.
- Do Not Consume Caffeine: The night before your procedure do not take caffeine as it may make it difficult for you to rest and be hydrated. Also, caffeine may make you lose water, which is very bad before any surgery. You may drink water, herbal teas, or any other caffeine-free drinks.
- Refrain from Alcohol Consumption: At least 24 hours before your surgery, it is very important that you completely desist from alcohol. Besides causing trouble with anesthesia, alcohol also reduces the body’s ability to heal. Further, it can cause bleeding more than usual, and it makes the whole recovery process difficult.
- Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco: Using tobacco products, or smoking before your operation will not only prolong your wound healing but also increase the risk of infection. You should stop smoking a few days before your wisdom tooth extraction and you should not use tobacco during the healing time.
- Avoid Drinking or Eating Before the Procedure: It is the advice of most surgeons that one has to stop all eating and drinking for at least 6 to 8 hours before a surgery. This is particularly true if you are to be given general anesthesia. Ingesting food or drinks may hinder anesthesia and may result in the occurrence of some complications during the procedure.
How Many Hours Should I Stop Eating Before Wisdom Teeth Removal?
One must definitely adhere to the fasting directions that are given by the doctor before the wisdom teeth extraction. A general rule, as per the statement of Dr. Coşkun Yıldız, is that eating and drinking should be stopped at least 6-8 hours before the operation, particularly when it is done under general anesthesia. The idea behind it is to have a totally empty stomach so the chance of the patient throwing up or feeling nauseous during the operation will be reduced to a minimum. In case you are given local anesthesia, the dentist may give you a different set of instructions, but still, the main rule is that you should not have anything to eat for a certain period before the time of the operation.
During the time of fasting, you should not even think of drinking any liquid whether it is water or anything else unless of course, your doctor has told you that you can. That way, your stomach will be empty, which is very important for a safe surgical experience. Your doctor or surgeon will inform you if any special changes have to be made due to your medical background or certain conditions that you already have.
What to Do After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, nutrition is the factor that will help with the proper healing and alleviate the pain. Dentist Polen Akkılıç suggests that you concentrate on maintaining your fluid intake and consuming soft, nutrient-dense foods. Your body will get well quickly and naturally if you follow this way.
Besides that, it is very important to be well hydrated. Water keeps your mouth fresh and not dry, thus, a situation in which you could feel uncomfortable and even get an infection. So, drink water to your content and, if needed, use an electrolyte beverage to get back the minerals that are lost during the operation.
Regarding food, Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız, emphasizes that only soft and easily swallowed foods should be taken within 48 hours after surgery. The foods may be mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, and well-cooked pasta. These are the safest foods that do not injure the wounds and provide the necessary nutrients for the healing process. Avoid hot, spicy, and acidic foods; these can make the surgical sites inflamed and cause pain to you. You may consume food at normal or cold temperatures to calm and heal your mouth.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
| Foods to Consume | Foods to Stay Away from |
| Mashed potatoes | Hard, crunchy foods |
| Scrambled eggs | Chewy foods |
| Yogurt | Spicy foods |
| Smoothies | Hot foods and drinks |
| Pureed fruits and vegetables | Small particles (seeds, rice) |
- After the removal of the wisdom teeth, soft foods must be on your menu. You are definitely allowed to consume soft, easily chewable, and non-irritating foods only. Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies are the perfect foods for you.Along with it, cold foods like yogurt or ice cream can be used to give a nice feeling to your mouth and bring down the swelling.
- Nutrient-rich foods:The first and foremost emphasis should be on those foods that provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. Nutritionally complete fruits such as unsweetened applesauce or fruit purees are not only wholesome nutrient sources but also calming for the gums. In addition to that, well-cooked vegetables, tender fish, and tofu can also be the best food companions for you.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water has to be the main focus of keeping the body hydrated and providing the necessary support to it during the recuperation period. Hydration is a must for hygiene purposes and it prevents that dry and uncomfortable feeling that sometimes occurs in the mouth. While you are at it, do not use a straw to drink as the sucking motion can cause the healing process to take longer.
- Proteins are excellent sources: Introducing gentle protein-rich foods in the diet, for example, soft scrambled eggs, tofu, or properly cooked chicken, will be very helpful in the process of tissue regeneration and recovery. Proteins are the most necessary ones for the repair of tissues and the reduction of inflammation after the extraction.
- Don’t eat sugary or acidic food: Even though it is necessary to keep the body nourished, it is advisable to refrain from consuming sugary or acidic foods like candy, citrus fruits, or soda because these can cause discomfort in the areas of the extraction and may also lead to infection. It is better to consume neutral-tasting, bland foods during the first days of recovery.
What to Don’ts After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, you will need to abstain from certain foods and also avoid some activities if you are to recover well and not experience any complications.During the first several days, it is wise to refrain from consuming hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, such as nuts, raw vegetables, or tough meats. These kinds of foods force the wounds in your mouth that are still sore and, additionally, may remove the blood clot, which is vital for the healing process.Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız cautions that one should not suck on a straw because the suction can lead to the dislodging of the blood clot; thus, dry socket, which is a very painful condition, may occur.
Apart from that, it is advised that people who smoke should not smoke or use any tobacco products for at least three days after the operation as these things can slow down the recovery and may cause infections. Likewise, you should not eat or drink hot food or drinks for a few days as the heat will irritate the wounds and the pain will become worse. Use cold foods and drinks or foods and drinks at room temperature that will not irritate you and will keep you comfortable during the healing period.
References:
- Akkılıç, P., & Team. (2023). Oral Surgery and Post-Extraction Care: Best Practices for Recovery. Lema Dental Clinic.
- Yıldız, C. D. (2022). The Impact of Proper Nutrition on Healing After Oral Surgery. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 78(4), 235-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2022.01.004
- Peters, L. A., & Smith, J. K. (2021). Preoperative Nutritional Considerations for Oral Surgery Patients. American Journal of Dentistry, 33(6), 192-198.
- Johnson, M., & Walker, D. (2020). Postoperative Dietary Recommendations Following Wisdom Teeth Extraction. Clinical Oral Investigations, 24(3), 607-613. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-019-03115-4
- Lee, H., & Chan, P. (2022). Complications in Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Their Preventive Measures. International Journal of Dental Surgery, 45(2), 134-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdent.2022.03.002
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Tooth Extraction
To anesthetize the operation safely and to keep the chances of accidents at a minimum, you must discontinue feeding and drinking for a period of 6 to 8 hours before your wisdom tooth extraction.
Some foods that can be regarded as safe to consume after your surgical operation are mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, and soups. These kinds of food are easy to swallow and provide gentle treatment to the healing areas.
Do not eat any hot food for the first three to four days following the operation, as it can aggravate the swelling and cause more pain. Consume food that is at room temperature or cold in order to reduce the pain.
Try to maintain your body water level by drinking enough fluids, following the oral surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, and eating soft, healthful foods to give your body the signal that it has to heal faster. Remember not to masticate or irritate the areas where the teeth have been removed.
The dentist must give you the go-ahead before you just start taking supplements on your own. While vitamins generally do help the recovery, some of them can be that they don’t go well with the medicines you’re taking or make the healing process longer.
Yes, swelling is an unfortunate situation that almost always happens after the removal of the wisdom teeth and is at its maximum within 48 hours. Applying a cold compress and following the post-surgery instructions will definitely help in bringing down the swelling.
Definitely not! It is an absolute must to be on a soft diet for the initial two or three days following the surgical procedure. A gradual return to the normal diet can be made when the healing of the mouth continues and the pain subsides.
