After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days to allow your mouth to heal.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are typically the last teeth to emerge in the mouth, often appearing in the late teenage years or early twenties. While they can be a valuable addition to the mouth if they are healthy and properly aligned, they can also cause problems if they are impacted or misaligned. In these cases, it may be necessary to have the wisdom teeth removed.
After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care. This may include taking prescribed pain medication, avoiding certain foods and activities, and properly caring for the extraction site to promote healing.
What to eat the first 2 days after wisdom teeth removal
In the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, it is important to stick to a soft food diet to give the extraction site time to heal. This may include foods such as:
- Soups and broths
- Pudding and yogurt
- Smoothies and shakes
- Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables
- Applesauce and mashed bananas
- Jell-O and ice cream
What to eat the next days
As you begin to feel more comfortable and the extraction site has had time to heal, you can slowly introduce more solid foods back into your diet. It is important to continue to choose soft, easy-to-chew foods that will not irritate the extraction site or cause discomfort. Some examples may include:
- Cooked grains such as pasta, rice, and oatmeal
- Soft fruits such as peaches, plums, and avocados
- Scrambled eggs and other soft proteins
- Baked or steamed fish
- Soft, cooked vegetables such as cooked carrots and green beans
- Tofu and other soft, plant-based proteins
It is also important to stay hydrated after wisdom teeth removal by drinking plenty of fluids. Water, sports drinks, and clear broth can all help to keep you hydrated and support the healing process.
What to avoid
It is important to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods after wisdom teeth removal, as these can irritate the extraction site and increase the risk of complications. Some examples of foods to avoid include:
- Raw vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Popcorn
- Chips and crackers
- Hard candies and gum
- Sticky or chewy foods such as caramel or taffy
By following your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions and choosing soft, easy-to-chew foods, you can support the healing process and ensure a smooth recovery after wisdom teeth removal.
