I have just had my wisdom teeth extracted. What should I eat?
27 Nov. 2019

I have just had my wisdom teeth extracted. What should I eat?

Your wisdom teeth usually appear between 17 and 25 years old and are a third set of molars in the back of your mouth.

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed because of different reasons: they are considered impacted teeth (when they partially emerge from the gums or emerge at crooked angles and they may press against your other teeth), your mouth is too small, you have cavities because you can’t reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or your dental floss (they are in the back).

In case your dentist recommend the removal, it will take a few days for you to heal and recover.

Let’s see together what food is recommended and what food should be avoided after this kind of surgery.

After your wisdom teeth removal, your doctor will advise to start with liquid and soft foods: yogurt, smoothies, blended soups, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, pudding, ice-cream, milk-shakes, avocado, jelly, mashed banana, scrambled eggs, soft cheeses, cottage cheese, mashed beans.Eating soft or liquid foods won’t irritate the extraction site, helping it to heal faster. Some foods and drinks can become trapped in the extraction sites, leading to infections. Patients should follow the recommended diet for a minimum of two or three days.

Neutral, cold foods are the best option in the first 24 hours after surgery.And also foods that are particularly easy to chew and swallow. They should also be rich in vitamins, minerals, energy and proteins to assist wound healing.  Cold foods may help with some of the discomfort. Gradually continue to increase solid foods as chewing doesn’t cause any pain. Most of the people manage to eat normal in maximum a week. When you drink liquids, please be aware that you are not allowed to use a straw. Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods that may scratch your wounds. Acidic and spicy foods may cause irritation and pain.

Blended soups

Blended soups like tomato or pumpkin soups are one of the best options after you have had your wisdom teeth removed. Soups are rich in nutrients and they keep you hydrated, which is very important after surgery. Make sure they are well blended and consumed warm or cold.

Mashed potatoes

They are easy to eat, they are rich in calories and carbs, which are both important for recovery. Sweet potatoes are also an option. Do not forget to consume your mashed potatoes warm or cold, as hot foods may irritate the wound.

Scrambled eggs

Eggs are among the recommended foods after your wisdom teeth removal. They are a source of protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Avocado

Avocados are low in carbs and abundant in healthy fats. Their creamy texture make these fruits perfect for eating when you are recovering after the surgery of your wisdom teeth removal. They are also a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium. An animal study found that avocados may speed up the wound-healing process. Although this research does not indicate that avocados speed wound healing in humans, these findings are a start.

To conclude, patients who have had their wisdom teeth removed will be recommended to keep a diet for a period between 3 and 7 days. There are a lot of options for them. In case you have problems with your wisdom teeth or if you need extra information, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Arhiri.

 

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321300.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/wisdom-teeth/what-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal-0416
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal
https://www.liveh4.com/article/300789-diet-after-the-removal-of-wisdom-teeth/
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-food-to-eat-after-getting-your-wisdom-teeth-out
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult#1