🦷What Should You Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
During the postoperative period, it is advisable to have something like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes in order not to strain your jaw and achieve faster recovery. Do not forget to drink plenty of water and exclude any food that is too spicy or crispy from your menu, as these are the main conditions for a trouble-free recovery. Interestingly, many difficulties can arise while trying to get back to normal after your wisdom teeth extraction, but the nutrition that you get by mouth can be very instrumental in the process of healing. Have a look at all the foods that not only are good for getting back on your feet but also are quite mouth-watering.
Soft Foods for Wisdom Tooth Extraction to Eat
After wisdom teeth extraction, it is normal for your mouth to get tender and sore. That’s the reason why it is of utmost importance to choose food that has a soft texture and thus is rather easy to take in without irritating the surgical wound. It is recommended to focus on the foods of such a texture that require the minimum number of chews in order not to experience the pain during the mealtime, but at the same time replenish the organism with the necessary nutrients and energy. Your appetite can be satisfied with the following examples:
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked pasta
- Silken tofu
- Oatmeal
These kinds of foods are nourishing and reduce the discomfort caused by the removal of your wisdom teeth. Above all, take care to stay away from the foods that not only may make the pain in your gums worse but also make the healing process slower.
Liquid Diet Options for Recovery
A liquid diet is also a good alternative to a regular diet in the early days following the extraction of the wisdom teeth. The liquid format is less likely to cause any discomfort, and it is easier to swallow as well. The following are some choices that you may wish to include in your liquid diet:
- Smoothies (without seeds)
- Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- Protein shakes
- Milk or dairy alternatives
- Juices (avoid citrus juices for the first few days)
- Gelatin or puddings
Being partial to nutritious and tasty liquid foods is a great way of keeping yourself energetic and hastening the recovery. It’s important not only to have plenty of water but also to be aware of the body’s condition to avoid any episodes of slow healing.
Protein-Rich Foods for Healing
In the event of a wisdom teeth extraction, you cannot ignore the importance of including high-protein foods in your diet so that a successful recovery may occur. The tissue needs proteins for repair purposes, and the muscle may be retained during the recovery period only with proteins. The intention here is to bring into use digestible and high-protein foods in the process of recovery; the body’s nutritional needs should be fully satisfied once this stage is through. Here are the foods that cause the least difficulty:
| Food Item | Protein Content (per 100g) |
| Greek Yogurt | 10g |
| Cottage Cheese | 11g |
| Soft Scrambled Eggs | 9g |
| Protein Smoothie | 15g |
| Tofu | 8g |
What is more, you can mix these sources of protein in your smoothies or soups. In this way, not only will you get enough protein, but it also makes the intake of food a much easier process in the first few days following the operation.
Cold Treats to Soothe Pain and Swelling
Post-surgical pain is usually experienced in the first three days after tooth extraction, and the cold can be used to relieve the patients’ suffering of pain. Cold foods cause it to lessen the pain and the swelling, and these foods are the easiest ones to eat after a tooth extraction. It is advised, however, to make the right choice concerning the health of your gums by settling for the soft and nutritious ones, as they will be gentle on the condition. Here is a list of cold treat ideas:
| Treat | Benefits |
| Ice Cream | Soothes pain and swelling; choose softer varieties. |
| Frozen Yogurt | Rich in probiotics; cooling effect on the gums. |
| Smoothies with Ice | Easy to consume; packed with nutrients. |
| Frozen Fruit Bars | Hydrating; provides vitamins. |
| Cold Herbal Teas (iced) | Calming; prevents dehydration. |
Using these cold treats as part of your meals during the recovery period can help you relieve the pain while at the same time promoting a clean healing process. Just make sure they are soft and not too sugary to irritate the wound.
Foods to Avoid During Recovery
The first few days after the wisdom teeth have been pulled, it is very important to be careful about the food we are eating to enable faster recovery. You must stay away from food that is hard, crusty, or chewy, which is under the danger zone of irritating your healing gums or destroying the operation sites. Those food items that are sweet and have a high sugar content can trigger and worsen the problem because they can stay longer in the extraction areas and thus cause infections. What is more, consuming very hot or hot and spicy dishes can lead to pain and also to swelling. Here are the kinds of food to avoid:
- Hard or crunchy snacks (e.g., chips, nuts)
- Bagels
- Chewy meats (e.g., bagels, tough meats)
- Candies
Hot foods and drinks and hot foods and drinks and hot foods and drinks and hot foods and drinks and hot foods and drinks.
Nutrient-Rich Smoothie Recipes
As they are easy to consume and the nutritional value can be increased, smoothies can be a good choice after wisdom teeth removal. You can mix together different things to make a smoothie that you find it tasty and that is good for your health. The following recipes of nutrient-rich smoothies can be the number one thing you should try:
- Banana Spinach Smoothie: Use 1 banana, a few pieces of spinach, 1 cup of almond milk, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to create a simple smoothie.
- Mango Avocado Smoothie: Use 1 cup of frozen mango, 1/2 of an avocado, 1 cup of coconut water, and one pressed lime to prepare your refreshing smoothie.
- Berry Oat Smoothie: Combine 1 cup of mixed berries, 1/4 cup of oats, 1 cup of Greek yogurt, and some honey in a blender.
- Pineapple Coconut Smoothie: Puree 1 cup of pineapple, 1 cup of coconut milk, and a spoonful of chia seeds for extra healthy benefits.
Smoothies are a great way to heal your body while still maintaining a level of energy and satiety. The blender also makes it possible to obviate the tiresomeness of eating by making the drinks in the form of a fluid puree.
FAQ: What Should You Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Soft foods are recommended immediately after the procedure. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. These foods are easy to chew and swallow, which helps avoid irritation to the surgical site.
It is generally advised to stick to a soft food diet for at least the first 3 to 5 days after surgery. After this period, you can gradually introduce more solid foods as tolerated, but avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy for at least a week.
Yes, you should avoid hard, crunchy foods (like nuts and chips), spicy foods, acidic foods (like citrus fruits), and hot beverages. These can irritate the healing tissue or lead to complications.
Yes, ice cream can be a soothing option after wisdom teeth removal. Just make sure to choose a soft variety without hard mix-ins, as this can provide comfort while also providing calories.
No, it’s recommended to avoid using a straw for at least the first few days after surgery. Sucking through a straw can create suction that may dislodge the blood clot, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
