Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a painful and uncomfortable experience, but proper post-surgery care, especially regarding your diet, can help ease recovery. Knowing what to eat after wisdom teeth removal is essential to speed up healing, avoid complications, and ensure comfort. In this article, we'll cover the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, how to manage the early recovery days, and what to avoid.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal Day 1
During the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal, it is crucial to stick to a soft food diet. This will not only minimize discomfort but also help prevent food particles from getting stuck in the extraction site, which can lead to infections.
Best Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal on Day 1
- Broth: Warm (not hot) broth provides hydration and nutrients without requiring chewing.
- Apple Sauce: A smooth and nutritious option, apple sauce is gentle on the surgical area.
- Yogurt: Creamy and easy to swallow, yogurt is high in protein and probiotics to aid digestion and recovery.
- Mashed Potatoes: Soft and filling, mashed potatoes are ideal for providing energy without aggravating the wound.
- Ice Cream or Sorbet: The coolness can help numb the area and reduce swelling, but avoid ice cream with crunchy toppings.
Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
For the first few days after surgery, you will want to maintain a soft food diet. Soft foods are easier to chew and swallow without irritating the extraction site. Here's a list of soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal:
List of Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Scrambled Eggs: Soft and full of protein, scrambled eggs are a nutritious choice for recovery.
- Avocado: Creamy and packed with healthy fats, avocado is an excellent option for healing.
- Oatmeal: Ensure it is thoroughly cooked and not too hot. You can add a bit of honey or fruit puree for flavor.
- Blended Soups: Soups made with soft vegetables like carrots, squash, and tomatoes can be both filling and nutritious.
- Rice or Noodles: Soft rice or well-cooked noodles are easy to eat and versatile when mixed with broth or sauces.
- Cottage Cheese: This dairy product is soft and mild, providing calcium and protein for recovery.
- Bananas: Mash them up for an easy-to-eat snack that's gentle on your mouth.
Things to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction for Healing
Your body requires proper nutrients to promote healing after dental surgery. Soft foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals can help accelerate recovery. Here are some foods that promote healing:
- Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, it helps maintain your gut health while aiding tissue repair.
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps reduce inflammation and supports healing.
- Hummus: Made from chickpeas, hummus is a good source of fiber and protein, perfect for when chewing is difficult.
- Smoothies: Blend fruits, vegetables, and yogurt for a nutrient-packed meal. Add some protein powder for extra benefits.
- Pureed Vegetables: Pureeing soft veggies like carrots, peas, or zucchini gives you the nutrients your body needs without the need for chewing.
What Can You Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction? Foods to Avoid
While there are plenty of foods you can enjoy after wisdom teeth removal, it is equally important to avoid certain foods that can disrupt your recovery. Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods can cause irritation, prolong healing, or lead to complications such as dry socket.
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Chips and Crackers: These can break into small pieces that may get stuck in the extraction site.
- Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can cause irritation and discomfort to the sensitive area.
- Carbonated Drinks: The bubbles in carbonated drinks may dislodge the blood clot protecting the extraction site.
- Sticky or Chewy Foods: Avoid foods like candy or gum, as they can get stuck and irritate the wound.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can slow healing and cause irritation to the wound.
How to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Eating after tooth extraction can be challenging, especially in the first few days. Here are some tips to ensure you get the nutrition you need while keeping the extraction site safe:
- Stick to Soft Foods: For the first week, eat only soft foods to prevent any irritation or damage to the surgical site.
- Avoid Straws: The suction caused by drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket, a painful condition.
- Eat Slowly: Take your time while eating to ensure you don’t put unnecessary pressure on the extraction site.
- Chew on the Opposite Side: Try to eat on the side of your mouth that did not undergo surgery to protect the extraction site.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Food Products from Symington Drugs Pharmacy
At Symington Drugs Pharmacy, we offer a wide range of products to aid in your recovery. You can find soft foods, pain relief medication, and other post-surgery essentials.
References
- HOSA OMS: Wisdom Teeth Aftercare Diet https://www.hosaoms.com/procedures/wisdom-teeth/wisdom-teeth-aftercare-diet/
- Healthline: What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal
- GoodRx: What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/what-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal
- Oakleigh Dental: Food to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal https://oakleighdental.com.au/food-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal/