Not everyone has an extra set of molars in their mouth, but most people have wisdom teeth that pop up in their late teens or during early adulthood. In some cases, wisdom teeth don’t cause problems and can remain in the mouth untouched. However, dentists typically recommend having them removed, especially if they’re growing in incorrectly, causing pain, or are showing signs of other oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease.
If you or a loved one has wisdom teeth removal coming up, there are things you can do to make your recovery smoother. A little preparation and planning can go a long way. Learn what to eat after wisdom teeth removal, what foods to avoid, and a timeline for your recovery.
Foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal
The wisdom teeth extraction usually takes around an hour and you may experience swelling, bleeding, and discomfort after the procedure. Because of this, it’s important to have food on hand that’s easy to eat. Your oral surgeon should give you complete instructions on what you can and cannot eat and drink afterward. Below are some examples of what to eat after wisdom teeth removal:
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Blended soups
- Hummus
- Bananas
- Canned fruit
- Nut butters
- Pudding
Many of these foods are high in vitamins and minerals, which can help aid in the healing process. They’re also soft, and consuming soft foods or liquids is beneficial because chewing may be painful, and hard foods may get trapped in or cause damage to the recovering area.
When preparing these foods, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the temperature to avoid irritation and blend things like soups until they’re as smooth as possible.
Foods to avoid after wisdom teeth removal
While it’s important to know what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, there are also foods that should be avoided during the recovery period. Eating them may lead to complications such as dislodging blood clots, irritating the wounds, or even causing infections.
Here are some examples of foods to avoid after wisdom teem removal:
- Citrus
- Carbonated drinks
- Spicy foods
- Whole nuts and nut pieces
- Popcorn
- Hot drinks
Additionally, the way you consume your food and drink can affect the healing process. Don’t use a straw to drink as this may increase the risk of developing a painful complication called dry socket.
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal
The best way to have a smooth and easy recovery after wisdom teeth removal is to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions.
Here are some general ideas of what to expect:
- Patients can eat the soft foods discussed above right after the procedure if they’re up for it, but transitioning back to their regular diet can often be done after three to five days.
- Most people can return to their work schedule during their recovery, but if you work a job that demands physical labor, it may be smart to take a few extra days off.
- Full recovery from wisdom teeth removal surgery generally takes one to two weeks.
- Although rare, people sometimes develop serious complications such as infection, dry sockets, or damage to other oral structures after wisdom teeth removal. If complications occur, contact the oral surgeon who performed the extraction for a follow-up appointment.
Preparation is key when it comes to wisdom teeth removal recovery
The next time you or a loved one is preparing for oral surgery, you can rest assured that you know what to eat after wisdom teeth removal, what to avoid, and what to expect during recovery. Make sure to have plenty of approved foods on hand before surgery so you don’t have to worry about making a trip to the store, and drink plenty of water.
Looking for more information on wisdom teeth? Read “Having wisdom teeth pulled”.
