What To Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Is your wisdom tooth trapped in the jaw or under the gums and causing discomfort or alignment issues? Most people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, which can create problems like cysts, gum disease, or decay. Well, if that’s the case, the dentist will recommend wisdom tooth extraction. The next question on your mind would be: “What to eat after Wisdom Tooth Extraction?”

After the wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience swelling or mild discomfort and will have to eat food that isn’t difficult to chew. Around 7% of people experience difficulty chewing , so it is recommended that you eat food that affects chewing and swallowing.

Let us explore what food items you can eat after wisdom tooth extraction and which ones should be avoided.

What can you eat after Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

After getting your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to watch what you eat to avoid any problems. Your body needs nutrients to heal properly and reduce swelling. Here’s a list of foods to have on hand before your surgery.

Liquid Diet: First 24 Hours After Surgery

During the initial 24 hours post-surgery, opt for a liquid diet, which may include:

Bouillon
Smoothies
Warm broth
Smooth, pureed soups
Milkshakes
Creamy peanut butter
Nutritional supplement drinks (like Ensure, Boost, Carnation, Glucerna, etc.)
Pudding
Sherbet
Greek yogurt

You should avoid using a straw for the first 48 hours after wisdom teeth extraction to prevent suction that doesn’t allow the blood clot to form at the extraction site. You can use a spoon instead to consume smoothies or milkshakes and avoid smoking during the entire recovery period.

Soft Food Diet: Grocery List for Your Recovery

Here’s a grocery list to help you transition to a soft food diet during your wisdom tooth extraction recovery:

Steamed vegetables (soft varieties)
Bananas
Mashed potatoes
Avocado
Soft bread (avoid crunchy types)
Oatmeal
Noodles
Beans
Applesauce (pureed)
Cottage cheese
Eggs
Tofu
Thinly sliced cheese
Pasta

These soft foods are gentle on your healing mouth and provide the necessary nutrients for a smooth recovery after wisdom teeth extraction.

What should not be eaten during Wisdom Tooth Extraction recovery?

It is crucial to avoid the following food items during recovery from wisdom tooth extraction.

Here’s what to avoid:

Popcorn
Acidic foods and drinks (like orange juice, lemon juice, vinegar, etc.)
Chewy foods (such as taffy, jerky, etc.)
Alcohol
Small grains, nuts, and seeds (such as rice, quinoa, poppyseed bagels, sunflower seeds, etc.)
Crunchy foods (like crackers, chips, etc.)
Spicy foods
High-sugar foods and drinks

It is advised to avoid these food items for a smoother and quicker recovery from your wisdom teeth extraction surgery.

How long should you wait before eating?

When the numbness from anesthesia wears off after surgery, you can eat whenever you feel ready. However, you may experience difficulty swallowing or coordinating your lower jaw for eating and drinking. You may also notice some drooling until the effects of anesthesia diminish.

It’s important to choose your foods carefully during this time because you can accidentally bite your tongue or cheeks. Have liquids or soft foods that require minimal chewing until the sensation returns to your mouth area.

What habits should you avoid after wisdom tooth extraction?

Here are the following habits you should refrain from after wisdom tooth extraction.

Avoid using straws

Avoid using straws for at least a week after the extraction. The suction of the sipping straw can remove the blood clot from your tooth socket and can cause bleeding and the risk of a dry socket, which can cause severe pain.

Avoid rinsing and spitting

Do not rinse or spit after the wisdom tooth extraction, as this can disturb the surgical site. Instead, lean over a sink and allow saliva or blood to dribble from your mouth naturally. This method safely removes unwanted fluids without interfering with the healing process.

Do not smoke

Do not smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery. Tobacco products can diminish oxygen levels in the bloodstream, which can delay healing and cause complications.

Conclusion

Still, wondering what to eat after Wisdom Tooth Extraction? Knowing exactly what to eat after Wisdom Tooth Extraction is very important for a smooth and speedy recovery. You should follow the recommended diet and avoid hard food to minimize discomfort and promote healing. Include soft, nutritious food in your diet and stay hydrated to support recovery.

Ready to ensure a comfortable and successful recovery after your wisdom tooth extraction?

Book an appointment online with Delight Dental Smiles in Coral Springs, FL, today. Contact us now at (954) 406-6942 to schedule your visit and receive personalized care from our experienced dental team.

FAQ

Can I eat solid foods right after wisdom tooth extraction?

It’s best to have a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after surgery to avoid discomfort and promote healing. Then, you can reintroduce solid foods as you feel comfortable.