What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth are another set of molars that come in around the age of 17 to 25. This third set of molars is often extracted since most people do not have the extra space in their mouths to accommodate these additional teeth.

During wisdom tooth extraction, your oral surgeon will use some form of anesthetic so you do not feel anything during surgery. This may include a local anesthetic, sedation with nitrous oxide, or general anesthesia. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, your surgeon will need to cut into your gum and possibly remove some jaw bone structure to access the tooth. Once the tooth is extracted. your surgeon will close the site with self-dissolving stitches and have you gently bite on gauze for a couple of hours after you leave.

Here, we will review some directions that you may be given for your recovery. The foods and beverages you choose to eat can greatly affect your recovery time. Your surgeon will give you a list of things that are safe to consume as well as things to avoid.

What to eat after wisdom teeth removal

Immediately following extraction surgery, you will want to stick with liquids and very soft foods that do not need to be chewed and will not risk becoming lodged in your extraction site. Some examples of the items on your “good foods” list may include:

  • apple sauce
  • yogurt
  • smoothies and milkshakes
  • broths and blended soups
  • mashed potatoes
  • Jell-O, pudding, and ice cream

Cold foods may relieve some discomfort. Nutrient-rich soups and smoothies can help promote healing and help balance out the other high-sugar selections on the list.

Foods to be avoided include:

  • citrus juices and acidic and spicy foods which may cause irritation and pain
  • alcoholic beverages
  • grains and seeds that can easily become trapped in the extraction site
  • sitcky, hard, or difficult-to-chew foods that risk reopening the stitches

After a few days, you can begin to eat normally. Begin with softer foods like eggs, oatmeal, and pasta before you tackle chicken or steak.

Prevent Dry Sockets

When the blood fails to clot in the tooth socket or becomes dislodged, you can develop a dry socket. This is a painful side effect and can happen between three and five days after extraction. You can help avoid them by following your post-op directions to the letter. Using a straw, smoking, or spitting can all cause the clot to dislodge. Your Oral Surgeon can help treat them by flushing any debris from the area and applying a medicated dressing. Symptoms of dry sockets include:

  • an unpleasant taste or smell in your mouth
  • extreme aching or throbbing in the gum or jaw near the site
  • exposed bone

If you suspect that you have an infection, call your doctor immediately. Some symptoms that you may have an infection include:

  • blood or pus from the extraction site for more than a few days
  • fever and chills
  • spasms of the jaw muscles
  • painful or swollen gums near the extraction area
  • bad taste or smell in the mouth

More on Wisdom Teeth Removal : Impacted Wisdom Teeth