After any extraction, especially a wisdom tooth, you should follow recovery instructions to ensure the healing of the wound. That is why we have prepared this article on what to eat after wisdom teeth removal, so you can go through your recovery process without any trouble. If you are wondering what you should and should not eat after your wisdom tooth extraction, this article is for you.
Why You Should Know What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you fail to pay attention to what you eat after an extraction, you might face more severe complications than swelling. There is a risk of a dry socket, which happens when a blood clot is not formed properly on the extraction site to protect the underlying bone and tissues. As a result, you will experience a lot of pain and discomfort, and need another trip to the dentist. If a dry socket is left untreated, it will get infected and your condition will worsen. An infected socket shows symptoms such as discharge and fever and takes longer to heal.
What Foods Should You Avoid?
The foods that you should avoid are much more important during your recovery. Therefore, we will start with these foods:
- Crunchy foods, because they can get stuck in your wound and cause infection;
- Chewy foods, because they increase the risk of cheek and tongue biting;
- Spicy foods, because they might irritate the blood clot; and
- Alcohol, because it irritates the wound and might interact with your medicines.
Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
On the other hand, soft foods provide nourishment and speed up your healing. We suggest you consider eating these foods for two to three days after your procedure:
Ice Cream or Smoothies
Ice cream can be very soothing for your wound after extraction. However, you should keep in mind that it also contains sugar and fat, a high level of which is not healthy for oral or overall health. Therefore, we don’t recommend eating too much ice cream. Smoothies are another great option; they are soft, nutritious, and safe for your condition. You can make them in your home with fruits, vegetables, and protein sources easily. But remember that seedy fruits like strawberries or blackberries are not a good choice for the recovery period as their seed might get stuck in the socket.
Mashed Bananas or Pumpkin
Bananas are full of potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese, and their soft texture is ideal for the days after your procedure. You can smash them before consumption to soften them even further. You can also mash cooked pumpkin which is rich in potassium and vitamins A, C, and E. You should only be careful when eating mashed pumpkin after it’s cooled down.
Scrambled Eggs or Mashed Potatoes
Scrambled eggs are quite easy to make during your recovery days. You can chew them slowly and benefit from their protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, and iron. These vitamins can help you heal faster and strengthen your immune system. However, if you are vegan or just not a fan of eggs, you can opt for mashed potatoes. They give you enough calories to go through the day after your extraction and provide many nutrients to help with your healing. Keep in mind that your mashed potatoes should be lukewarm and completely smooth, without any potato chunks.
Blended Soup
If you are a soup lover, you should have your favorite soups after wisdom teeth removal. Make tomato or pumpkin soup for yourself, but avoid those bits and chunks that are chewy. Soups keep you hydrated and provide your body with crucial nutrients. Again, like all the cooked foods mentioned above, don’t eat your soup hot. You can also have lamb, chicken, or turkey broth. Bone broth is high in amino acids and helps with inflammation.
Do You Need More Help?
This article has covered the foods you need to eat after wisdom teeth removal. However, every individual might face different challenges during their recovery time. If you are still not sure what to eat, or if there is something that just seems off with the extraction site, Aria Dental in Orange County, California can help you. We are a holistic and biological dental office, and our main goal is to provide services that won’t harm your body in the long run. Contact us today for a consultation so our team of professionals help you with all you need.
