Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure that many Australians undergo. Proper post-operative care especially regarding your diet is crucial for a smooth recovery. This guide explores the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
Understanding the Recovery Process
Wisdom teeth removal creates wounds in your gums and jaw that need time to heal. During this recovery period, typically lasting about one week, your mouth will be sensitive. What you eat significantly impacts both your comfort and healing rate.
Immediately following extraction, blood clots form in the socket where each tooth was removed. These clots are essential for proper healing and must be protected. Certain foods can dislodge these clots, leading to a painful condition called dry socket, which requires additional treatment.
Dietary Guidelines: The First 24 Hours
The first day after extraction is the most critical period. During these initial 24 hours, following strict dietary guidelines helps protect the surgical sites and manage pain.
Stick primarily to cool liquids during the first day. Cold temperatures help reduce swelling and provide natural numbing relief. Chilled water is excellent, though avoid using straws as the suction can dislodge blood clots. Ice chips, smooth broths, and refrigerated coconut water are good options.
If you feel up to eating something more substantial, choose extremely soft foods that require no chewing. Yoghurt, smooth applesauce, jelly without seeds, plain custard, and cool pureed soups are gentle options.
Remember to take any prescribed pain medication with food as directed by your dentist.
Days 2-3: Expanding Your Options
As the initial swelling subsides, gradually introduce more foods, though still focus on soft options requiring minimal chewing.
Protein intake supports healing. Scrambled eggs, smooth hummus, Greek yoghurt, and protein smoothies (consumed with a spoon, not a straw) can boost your nutrition. Silken tofu adds protein without requiring chewing.
Mashed avocado, banana, applesauce, and well-cooked mashed vegetables contribute vital nutrients while remaining gentle on your surgical sites.
Energy-providing foods like semolina, fine porridge, well-cooked pasta, and mashed potato offer sustained energy with minimal chewing.
Days 4-7: Transitioning to Normalcy
As healing progresses, gradually incorporate more substantial foods, though still avoid anything hard, crunchy, or requiring significant chewing.
By this stage, you can begin enjoying soft-cooked rice, soft bread, well-cooked diced chicken or fish, soft-cooked vegetables, and soft fillings like tuna or egg salad.
Continue to avoid eating on the side of your mouth where the extraction occurred.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
Throughout recovery, certain items should be avoided as they can impede healing or dislodge blood clots.
Avoid crunchy foods like chips and popcorn, chewy foods such as steak and tough breads, sticky foods including caramel, foods with small seeds or particles, and hard foods such as raw vegetables and nuts.
Spicy foods, acidic drinks and foods, alcohol, hot beverages, and caffeinated drinks can irritate healing tissues.
Using straws creates suction that can dislodge protective blood clots. Smoking or vaping significantly impairs healing and increases complication risks, including tooth stains.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your nearby dentistry if you experience: severe pain not managed by prescribed medications, excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours, signs of infection (increased swelling after day 3, unusual odour, fever), difficulty swallowing or breathing, or persistent nausea or vomiting.
Conclusion
The days following wisdom teeth removal require careful attention to your diet. By selecting appropriate foods, you support healing while minimising discomfort and avoiding complications.
Remember that each person’s recovery is unique, and your dentist’s specific instructions should always take precedence. With proper care, right food choices, and good brushing habits once healed, most people can return to their normal diet within 7-10 days after extraction.
