Navigating Your Diet After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
After the removal of your wisdom teeth, which are also known as the third molars, the road to recovery begins. From my experience, what surprises most people is the immediate challenge of dealing with the aftermath. It’s normal to have problems, often causing pain, swelling, sore gums, or even the risk of infections and disease. A person may worry about more serious complications, such as the dreaded and truly painful dry sockets where the protective blood clots become dislodged. The whole healing process requires a great deal of care and support.
So, what can you eat? From my experience, it is advisable to follow specific dietary guidelines to help your mouth heal. It’s important that you find it beneficial to stick to soft or liquid foods for nourishment, including options like smoothies, creamy yogurt, comforting oatmeal, and even ice cream. Both warm soup and chilled soups are excellent choices because they provide high levels of vitamins and minerals without requiring any chewing. The goal is to prevent dislodging the natural clots that are vital for healing.
The time after having your teeth removed, which can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks, is when mindfulness is key. You want to avoid getting food chunks or debris stuck in the extraction sites located at the furthest back corner of each side. I’ve seen patients discover this the hard way. This careful approach will also reduce any swelling and speed up your recovery, making it an easier process to get through. This procedure is common, usually for those in their late teens or early 20s. In fact, a trusted source shows there are close to 5 million extractions every year just in the United States.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, though some have more, fewer, or none at all. Because they grow so late, they often don’t have room and must come out. If not removed, problems can arise. So, read on for more tips, but the key takeaway should be that an adult patient should do everything to make a full recovery. We often refer to this period as the most critical, and when you are well set on this plan, making it easy to swallow your food, you support the last part of your surgical journey. You can find 15 or more food options if you’re creative.
15 foods to eat
The Smooth Solution: Blended Soups
In my experience, when recovering from dental work, especially after wisdom teeth are removed, a smooth diet is key. Blended soups are my go-to recommendation. They are a fantastic way to get nutrient-dense sustenance without the chewing that could cause irritation to your surgical sites. Packed with vegetables and legumes, blended soups are easy to eat after surgery. This approach allows you to consume a lot of food that you might otherwise have to avoid.
The important thing is to make sure your soup is completely smooth and has no chunks. For example, a tomato and pumpkin or other vegetable-based soups are perfect, unlike soups that have bits which require chewing. Another crucial tip: always check the temperature. You don’t want to burn yourself with hot soup. Since your mouth may be numb after the surgery, it’s wise to let the soup cool to a lukewarm temperature. This way, it’s possible to not be able to tell how hot the soup is, so cooling it down first is a smart move. Not only are they nourishing, but they also help you stay hydrated because they contain a lot of liquid. This is a simple but effective strategy for a comfortable recovery.
Bone Broth: The Liquid Gold for Recovery
For the first few days after surgery, when even blended soups might feel a bit too heavy, broths are my absolute favorite. They are an excellent source of nourishment and hydration. I often recommend bone broth, which is made by simmering bones and connective tissues from a variety of animals, such as chickens, cows, pigs, turkeys, lambs, or fish. This process results in a liquid that is packed with vitamins and minerals. I’ve personally seen how its numerous health benefits can aid recovery.
The real magic of bone broth lies in its composition. It is also high in amino acids, which are touted to contribute to its anti-inflammatory benefits. This is crucial for healing. Just as with other liquid foods like soup, it’s essential to remember to consume the broth either lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating the wound. From a personal standpoint, having a warm cup of bone broth feels incredibly soothing and comforting, making the recovery process much more bearable.
Soothing and Healing with Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a fantastic nutritious, smooth, and creamy food that may help soothe and numb your mouth after dental surgery. As a go-to for many of my patients, I’ve found it to be a key player in recovery. It’s particularly beneficial because it’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as calcium and zinc. We know that high-protein foods may promote wound healing, which is exactly what you need. In fact, adequate zinc intake may also promote wound healing. However, if you already get enough zinc, consuming more may not provide any added benefits. The beauty of Greek yogurt is that it provides these vital nutrients in a very gentle form, making it an ideal choice when you need a break from broths.
Mashed Potatoes for a Gentle Recovery
When you’re ready to move beyond Greek yogurt and other liquids, a classic comfort food like mashed potatoes becomes a staple. These potatoes are a root vegetable that can be prepared in many ways, but mashing them is the best approach after you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed. My patients often tell me how comforting they are. They’re not just soothing, they’re also rich in calories and nutrients, which is important for recovery because people have slightly higher energy requirements after having surgery. Before eating mashed potatoes, make sure they’re completely smooth and have no chunks in them. You can add butter, milk, or water to help loosen the mash to the right consistency. It’s also important to eat them lukewarm to prevent irritating your wound. This simple dish offers a substantial, yet gentle, step forward in your diet.
Stepping Up to Scrambled Eggs
Once you’ve mastered mashed potatoes and feel ready to introduce a bit of texture, scrambled eggs are a fantastic semisoft food to start eating. This is typically a good sign that your recovery is progressing well. They’re a high-quality source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are all important for your body’s healing process. In my practice, I always emphasize the value of these nutrients, including vitamins A and B12, zinc, iron, and selenium. These not only help in healing wounds but also in maintaining a healthy immune system. Once you’re ready to slowly chew with your other teeth, scrambled eggs provide the perfect opportunity. They are gentle yet satisfying, making them a great transition from liquid and pureed diets.
Applesauce for Nutrient Intake
While moving to foods like scrambled eggs marks progress, don’t forget the importance of fruit intake. Applesauce is one way to increase your fruit intake within 24 hours of surgery when apples are hard and crunchy, which isn’t ideal after having your wisdom teeth removed. Applesauce is usually made from pureed apples, which are typically skinless and cored. While this reduces their nutritional content since the skin contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, it makes them gentle enough for consumption. Nevertheless, a skinless apple is a good source of vitamin C, which may help reduce inflammation and pain, and boost your immune system. As a bonus, its nutrients can also improve fibroblast migration and in vitro wound closure. It’s rich in vitamins B, C, and E, and copper, which are all beneficial for your recovery.
A Perfectly Soft Recovery Food: Mashed Bananas
Following up on the gentle nutrition of applesauce, mashed bananas are another fantastic addition to your diet. The beauty of a mashed banana is that its soft texture makes it easy to chew, savor, and swallow. I often recommend this to patients once you’re ready to gradually start chewing after dental surgery. Mashing bananas could further soften their texture to reduce the risk of discomfort and make the transition from a liquid to a more solid diet much smoother. Bananas are incredibly nutritious, providing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and folate. This makes them a perfect, hassle-free way to get essential nutrients while your mouth is healing.
A Chilled Treat: Banana Ice Cream
After the gentleness of mashed bananas, you might want to try something cold. The coldness of ice cream may have a soothing effect on the extraction wound. However, regular ice cream is typically high in sugar and fat, which can be counterproductive to healing. A great alternative I’ve found is homemade banana ice cream. It’s a healthy and delicious homemade alternative.
To make this treat, you need 3-4 peeled bananas and a splash of your preferred milk, such as dairy, almond, or oat. Place the bananas in the freezer for 3-4 hours or overnight. Once frozen, slice the bananas and place the slices in a blender. Add milk and blend until the mixture has a thick, smooth consistency. Finally, enjoy this simple yet effective way to get a cool and comforting treat while you heal.
Avocados for a Nutrient-Packed Recovery
When thinking about soft foods for recovery, don’t overlook avocado. This unique fruit provides a fantastic change of pace from things like banana ice cream. While most fruits are high in carbs, avocados are low in carbs, but high in healthy fats. They’re a rich source of vitamins K and C, and potassium, and I find they boast many other health benefits essential for healing. Their smooth, creamy texture makes them great for eating when you’re recovering from dental surgery. For this reason, it may be best to consume guacamole or whipped or mashed avocados during your recovery. This makes it easy to get a good dose of healthy fats and nutrients without any discomfort.
Blending for Maximum Nutrition
As a dentist, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to get proper nutrition after surgery, even with soft foods like avocados. This is where smoothies become a true lifesaver. They’re easy to consume and are highly versatile and customizable to your tastes and nutrition goals. This makes them a great way to boost your nutrient intake when you can’t eat a solid meal. For a healthy, balanced smoothie, add fruits, vegetables, and a protein source to the blender. For example, smoothies with Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder may significantly boost your protein intake, while fruit-loaded smoothies may increase your fiber intake.
A crucial piece of advice I always give my patients is a cautionary one: It’s best to avoid seeded fruits, such as strawberries and blackberries, during your recovery. The reason is simple and based on clinical observation: seeds could get stuck in the extraction site, which may lead to infections or complications. By sticking to seedless options, you can enjoy the benefits of a smoothie without the risk.
Nourishing Recovery with Hummus
Moving from smoothies to something with a bit more substance, hummus is a common Middle Eastern dip and spread that has become popular worldwide. From my perspective as a practitioner, this is a fantastic food for recovery. It’s a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein. This makes hummus an excellent food for someone who has just had their wisdom teeth removed. You have options: you can easily make hummus at home by blending chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon in a food processor. Alternatively, you can buy premade hummus from most supermarkets.
A key point to remember is that during your recovery, you won’t be able to enjoy the hummus with chips or pita bread because their crunchy texture may damage the wound. But don’t worry, hummus is still delicious to eat by itself. It offers a satisfying and healing boost without any risk to your extraction sites.
Foods to avoid
As a dental professional, I’ve seen that what you choose to avoid is just as crucial as what you choose to eat. Several types of foods may irritate the extraction wounds in your mouth or dislodge the blood clots, which are crucial for healing after surgery. First and foremost, stay away from spicy foods, which may cause pain and irritation.
You also need to be careful about texture. Crunchy and crumbly foods, such as chips or cookies, may get lodged in the wound area, potentially causing infections or complications. Likewise, be wary of grains, seeds, and nuts, as they could disrupt healing if they get stuck. For the first few days, it’s also wise to steer clear of chewy foods, as they might increase your risk of biting your cheek, lips, and tongue, especially while your mouth is still numb.
Finally, let’s talk about beverages. Alcohol may irritate the wound or interact with any prescribed medication. For a safe and smooth recovery, it’s best to avoid alcohol entirely during the recovery period. By being mindful of these simple guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure a faster, more comfortable healing process.
Your Wisdom Teeth Recovery Takeaway
When you’re facing wisdom teeth removed or you’re having your wisdom teeth removed soon, it’s important to be prepared. From my professional perspective, having the right foods on hand is a game-changer. It’s truly worthwhile to stock your kitchen with these delicious foods in advance. These may support recovery and help prevent discomfort, and they are a surefire way to keep you full and happy.
Remember to choose nutrient-rich, soft-textured foods. By being proactive, you’ll stay nourished and satisfied after surgery. This simple preparation will make the entire process smoother, ensuring you get the essential nutrients you need without any unnecessary pain. With the right planning, you can make your recovery as comfortable as possible.