What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

by Christopher Jones

The wisdom teeth, sometimes called the third molars set usually come between ages 17 to 25. It often happens that they grow in an unfit angle or when impacted. That means that nature cannot allow them to remain in the mouth. The only solution to this is to consider removing them.

While some dentists provide anesthetics during the extraction process, many others prefer using some type of local sedation. In case the teeth have not come yet, incisions are likely to be made to aid in removing them.

Most importantly, after the procedure the things you eat are vital. It is recommended to consider having foods that will not aggravate the point of extraction but those that help it to quickly heal. The effects can be irritation or being trapped which leads to infections. It is vital to follow the orders given by the doctor regarding what to eat after the surgery. Here are some of the tasty and nutritious treats to consider for an easy and smooth recovery.

What are the Best Foods to Eat After Dental Surgery?

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

The reparative procedure after a dental surgery critically needs nutrition. Alongside hydration, the teeth need minerals, vitamins, and protein to intensify the general healing of the wound. Following the removal immediately and during the recovery period, it is good, to begin with, soft and liquid foods. The reason is that such meals do not need chewing thus saving you from additional pain. At this time it is good to avoid harder ones because they can potentially cause damage, or even worse become trapped within the recovering part. Some of the best foods to consider include:

1. Applesauce

Without the need to say, apples for long are many people's top favorite fruits. And there are certainly good reasons for this: apples are healthy, delicious, readily accessible, and have a range of uses. Even better, there is something exciting about enjoying its smooth and pureed texture. Applesauce is an excellent soft food to be eaten after the removal of wisdom teeth.

Applesauce
Applesauce

One positive thing about Applesauce is that it has enough dietary fiber and vitamin C. Thus it means you will be having the positive elements of a healthy meal. Eating such nutrient-rich food involves slight jaw efforts, thus it aids the healing and stops the pain. Even better you can make a healthier one by preparing it home. This, however, needs caution on the sugar used but just fresh ingredients added.

2. Ice Cream

Everyone loves ice cream because it is good for your health. After a surgical procedure, it is good to treat yourself to some extent. And taking your favorite flavor after the extraction makes a nice way to treat the body. During the initial day ensure you serve it soft to avoid the need for a lot of effort when eating. This cool food soothes irritated tissues and helps get a faster healing process.

Ice Cream
Ice Cream

Even though it may be tempting to choose the luxurious dessert, avoid cones. It is undoubtedly crunchy thus will overstrain the jaws and even worse small pieces will be lodged into the extraction area. The results will be irritation or contamination. Postpone some tastes too until the last days into your recovery, that is the time the operating site has healed enough.

3. Soup

It feels great to eat blended soups after wisdom teeth removal. The consumption process is quite easy because it does not have bits that can irritate the surgery area. Generally, after some days it is normal not to feel like continuing with such a diet. The truth is that soups are packed in proteins, minerals, and vitamins.

This source of nutrition ensures that you as well get the daily recommended amounts when you find it hard to eat as many fruits and vegetables as needed. Blending soups also helps you to keep the body hydrated. This is quite vital after any surgery. It is advisable to ensure what you eat is either cold or lukewarm. Hot soups potentially cause irritation thus may not provide enough nutrients. Also, make sure to blend vegetable-based soups as smooth as possible to avoid chunks.

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Soups as well help maintain a healthy diet because it is a good alternative to sugar-packed meals While it is necessary to steer well the large meat and vegetable pieces, it is okay to have a broth containing some small parts. Some of the few perfect options to consider include chicken soup, beef broth, tomato soup, or celery soup.

4. Jell-O Or Pudding

The best part of the pudding is that they are foods that are easy-to-eat. To prevent boring taste buds they are available in different flavors. There are many fresh and natural ingredients that can be used to prepare this dessert. That means that it often makes the best preventive and post-surgery diet. Another excellent benefit of eating mixes of pudding and Jell-O is in the extended refrigeration shelf life. In case, you have no caretaker every time during the recovery, you can pack the mixture before the surgery and keep them for use over the week.

Jell-O Or Pudding-
Jell-O Or Pudding-

5. Mashed Potatoes

Of course, the bulk of your post surgery diet should entail easy to consume foods. Mashed potatoes certainly make healthy food and provide nutritional advantages. Because it has a lot of fiber, it will be excellent to eat this food after the removal of your wisdom teeth.

Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes

All that is needed is to beat the potatoes to form a smooth texture. And there you go you have not only delicious food but also something that is quite stress-free to eat. You can prepare a creamy one and top it with additions like butter, gravy, butter, and cream. This versatile food allows for more varieties in the diet.

Be sure to prepare it in a way that no large lumps are contained in it. overlooking that will mean more difficulty in chewing and digestion. If you want s try sweet potatoes as a substitute to the regular ones.

6. Yogurt

After tooth surgery, it still makes sense to enjoy healthy and high-protein foods. And the creamy and smooth texture of yogurt makes it a great choice for the patients. This means the teeth will be soothed while also leaving the mouth numb. As a result, adequate nutrient levels aids the recovery process and wound healing.

Yogurt
Yogurt

Yogurt provides vitamins, protein, and minerals including zinc and calcium. Avoid the flavors that have additional ingredients that need chewing. Eating the type which is light with lemon and strawberry will provide you the necessary nutrients. You need to make things easier however by taking the prescribed medications for pain and discomfort.

7. Milkshakes and Smoothies

Smoothies are often delicious when packed with nutrients and proteins. Not only will it be easy to digest but also it is an excellent means of boosting your diet. With this it means, you will never struggle eating solid meals after the surgery. Even better, the options are highly versatile because the ingredients are adjustable. That means you can have something that suits your tastes while also meeting your nutritional goals.

Milkshakes And Smoothies
Milkshakes And Smoothies

For extra dietary benefits, supplement the shakes and drinks with a protein powder or food replacement packets. Complement with fresh and seedless fruits including bananas to keep everything healthy. The thing is the seeded fruits such as raspberries can stick in the operational areas. In the end, the food will cause discomfort and lengthen the recovery time.

Mix rice and yogurt with the ingredients of choice in a blender to get a healthy drink. Ice cream, mil, and other protein powders and supplements will create a perfect milkshake. While enjoying smoothies and shakes is good after the surgery, it is a pain to consume them using a straw. The resulting pressure will eventually interrupt the healing area and cause dry sockets.

8. Instant Oatmeal

Oats are believed to be among the most healthy foods in the world. This is a versatile meal and so can be used as a filler, a fiber source and even get the vitamins and minerals load. However it has a little chewy and pasty texture, so it is good to wait and start eating them until after three days from the day the wisdom teeth are removed.

Equally, instant oatmeal is an ideal option since it is slightly chewy. Before consuming them ensure it cools down to avoid causing irritation. This is quick and easy to eat a snack that can be seasoned with syrup, sugar, or jam to make enjoyable tastes.

Instant Oatmeal-
Instant Oatmeal-

While you should not add sliced fruit, the packets having small bits can be consumed. As a replacement for oatmeal, go for instant grits or wheat cream for smoother textures.

Which meals should you avoid eating after wisdom teeth surgery?

On top of knowing the things to consume, it is similarly vital to be familiar with what to evade. While there are many foods that are good for eating postsurgery, some should be avoided. It is wise to stick to the ones mentioned above for the first days. Some of the types that should not be consumed until the extraction areas heal include:

  • Never eat thick grains and foods that have high chances of getting caught into the teeth. Rice or quinoa seeds are likely to get trapped and t result will be a lot of pain.
  • Avoid straws because the suction removes the clots that form to aid the wound healing. This will, in turn, cause the formation of dry sockets. Indeed, this more painful and should not occur in addition to the after surgery pains.
  • Crunchy, spicy and chewy foods should wait for close to a week.
  • Acidic foodstuffs can irritate the tissues and cause additional discomfort in the already healing surgical areas. For instance, citrus juices lead to irritation.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not only irritating but also will negatively interact with the prescribed medication.
  • The foods that are hard or even difficult to grind like chips, nuts, and jerky will renew the stitches and also delay healing.
  • Do not smoke or use any tobacco-related product for up to 72 hours from the time of surgery. Failure to follow this will severely increase the risks of getting more complications. Chew tobacco after a minimum of one week.

What is the recovery timeline?

Typically, the recovery period for wisdom teeth is between three to four days. This timeline, however, can extend up to one-week or until when you can resume eating normal foods. It is, however, worth noticing that the length depends too much on the extent to which the extraction area got impacted and the way the teeth were erupting.

However, to avoid further extensions it is wise to stick to the guidelines from your doctor. For instance, eat the right foods to ease the discomfort. When you begin feeling better, then still it is necessary to try including solid foods. Gradually keep introducing more into the diet ensuring that not any pain is caused.

In conclusion, a big number of people often opt to remove the wisdom teeth at some point in life. Perhaps the reason could be to prevent potential dental problems or if they came in wrongly. After undergoing this procedure it is essential to know the right things to do for a smoother recovery.

Also Read: Carmel vs Caramel

Following the doctors, instructions can lead to quick healing. As a part of the instructions drinking and eating the best foods and also avoiding the bad ones is crucial. With this chances are that you will feel more comfortable while also considerably reducing potential problems.

The recovery process may take something from some days to a few weeks. However, the majority of people start feeling better after three days. Of course, this surgery impacts everybody differently and so it is good to take things easy and allow the mouth to heal at its pace.

It is good to plan your meals well for the next weeks considering healthy and soft foods. That way the mouth will not strain after the procedure. As always, ask your dentist or surgeon the relevant concerns before and after the surgery.

About Christopher Jones

Chris is a true globetrotter. He has been to many destinations and tried different types of food from all over the world, yet he still loves finding new places and tasting their specialties. Chris has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and so he decided to go back to school at age 24 for his MBA at University of San Francisco so that he could have a better understanding of business strategy in order to start his own company. His favorite motto is “how can one live well, travel well, and work well without having good food every time?”


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