After a wisdom tooth extraction, what you eat matters for two reasons: avoiding pain and protecting the blood clot that forms in the socket. If that clot is dislodged, you can develop a painful dry socket. Always follow the specific instructions from your oral surgeon or dentist; the list below covers the usual advice.
The first 24 hours
Stick to cool or lukewarm liquids and very smooth foods:
- Yogurt, pudding, applesauce
- Smoothies and protein shakes (eaten with a spoon, not a straw)
- Lukewarm broth (not hot)
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt without crunchy bits
Wait until the numbness wears off before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
Days 2 to 5: soft foods
As swelling goes down, add soft foods that need little chewing:
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed avocado
- Oatmeal and cream of wheat (lukewarm)
- Soft pasta and macaroni and cheese
- Blended or creamy soups
- Cottage cheese, hummus, soft tofu, flaky fish
- Bananas and other soft fruit
Chew with the teeth away from the extraction sites.
What to avoid
- Straws: the suction can dislodge the clot. Avoid them for at least the first week, or as long as your surgeon advises.
- Crunchy and crumbly foods: chips, nuts, popcorn, seeds, crackers. Small pieces get stuck in the socket.
- Spicy and acidic foods: they can irritate the wound.
- Very hot food and drinks in the first day or two.
- Alcohol: it can slow healing and interact with pain medication.
- Smoking and vaping: suction and chemicals increase the risk of dry socket.
Getting back to normal
Most people slowly return to their usual diet within about a week, moving from soft to more textured foods as comfort allows. Start with foods like soft rice, pasta and tender chicken before steak, raw vegetables and crusty bread.
Stay nourished
It is easy to eat too little after surgery. Protein (eggs, yogurt, shakes) and enough fluids help healing. If you are on a special diet or have diabetes, plan soft options in advance.
When to call the dentist
Severe pain that gets worse a few days after surgery, a bad taste or smell, fever, or bleeding that will not stop are reasons to contact your dentist or surgeon. The ADA’s consumer site MouthHealthy has more on recovery.
Wearing braces involves similar food choices, see what you can eat with braces.
