What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal to Heal Faster

If you have had your wisdom teeth removed, you may be wondering what you can eat to help your mouth heal faster and avoid any complications. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that requires some special care and attention after the surgery. You need to be careful about what you put in your mouth, how you clean it, and what you expect from the recovery process.

One of the most important things to consider after wisdom teeth removal is your diet. Your mouth will be sore and swollen for a few days, and you will not be able to eat normally. You will need to choose foods that are soft, smooth, and easy to swallow and avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky. This will help you prevent pain, infection, and dry sockets, which are some of the potential risks of wisdom teeth removal.

Why your diet matters after wisdom teeth removal

Your diet plays a crucial role in your healing process after wisdom teeth removal. Eating the right foods can help you:

• Reduce pain and swelling by avoiding foods that can irritate your mouth or cause inflammation

• Prevent dry socket by avoiding foods that can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site and protect the bone and nerves underneath

• Prevent infection by avoiding foods that can get stuck in the extraction site or cause plaque and bacteria buildup

• Promote healing by eating foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins that can help your mouth heal faster

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids that can keep your mouth moist and clean

What foods can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?

The foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal depends on how long it has been since your surgery and how your mouth feels. In general, you should stick to soft and liquid foods for the first few days and gradually introduce more solid foods as your mouth heals. Here are some examples of foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal:

• Day one: For the first two hours after the surgery, you should not eat anything at all. After that, you can have very soft and liquid foods, such as broth, yogurt, ice cream, and soup. Make sure the foods are not too hot or cold, as this can hurt your mouth. Drink plenty of water, but do not use a straw, as this can cause a dry socket.

• Day two: You can add some more soft foods to your diet, such as eggs, cottage cheese, and oatmeal. You may still have some pain and swelling, so do not force yourself to eat anything that makes you uncomfortable. Keep drinking water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

• Day three: You can start eating some semi-soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, and soft vegetables. Avoid chewing or putting food on the side of your mouth where the extraction was done, as this can interfere with the healing. Keep drinking water and avoid sugary drinks.

• Day four: You can try some more solid foods, such as chicken, beef, and pork. Make sure the meat is well-cooked and tender, and cut it into small pieces. Do not eat anything that is too chewy or tough, as this can cause pain and bleeding. Keep drinking water and avoid acidic drinks.

• Day five: You can resume your normal diet as long as your mouth feels comfortable and healed. You may still need to avoid some foods that are hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky, as these can damage your mouth or cause discomfort. Keep drinking water and maintain good oral hygiene.

What foods should you avoid after wisdom teeth removal

Some foods can harm your mouth or slow down your healing after wisdom teeth removal. You should avoid these foods until your mouth is fully healed, which can take up to two weeks. Some of the foods you should avoid are:

• Spicy foods, such as chili, curry, and salsa, as these can irritate your mouth and cause inflammation

• Crunchy and crumbly foods, such as chips, crackers, nuts, and popcorn, as these can get stuck in the extraction site or scratch your mouth

• Foods with grains and seeds, such as bread, rice, and quinoa, as these can also get stuck in the extraction site or cause infection

• Hot foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and soup, can burn your mouth or dissolve the blood clot

• Alcohol and soft drinks, such as beer, wine, and soda, can dehydrate your mouth or interfere with the healing

• Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, as these can increase your blood pressure or cause bleeding

• Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, as these can erode your enamel or cause pain

Making healthy choices

Following these guidelines and any recommendations from your dentist in Pleasant Hill, CA can help you recover faster and better after wisdom teeth removal. Do not rush the healing process, and listen to your body and your mouth. Eat foods that are nutritious and easy to swallow, and avoid foods that can hurt or harm your mouth. Keep your mouth clean and hydrated, and avoid any habits that can interfere with the healing, such as smoking, drinking, or using a straw.

Our dentists at Grafton Dental can help you plan the best post-surgery diet and care for your mouth. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help you.