What foods are safe to eat after wisdom teeth removal, and what should be avoided for a smooth recovery? Following the wrong diet or eating hard foods after wisdom tooth removal can quickly cause harm, as it will weaken your teeth before they have a chance to heal.
You should always choose safe foods that are soft for you and maintain a nutritious diet for a specific period. I’ll share my experience with you, which foods to avoid, and how long it will take for your issue to resolve. Stay with us, and we’ll cover everything in this article.
What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, you must follow an intense diet plan to avoid complications. But most patients wonder what they should eat after wisdom teeth removal. We recommend food based on their oral condition that helps prevent swelling and keeps their strength intact.
Choosing the right foods after wisdom tooth surgery prevents dry sockets. This complication occurs when the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site. Eating hard foods or allowing bacteria to build up can increase the risk of dry sockets. Eating something gentle and easy on your stomach when you go home is essential.
Read More: 50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Nutrient Liquids Diet
You should follow a liquid diet for the first 3 days of your recovery, and while cold drinks are usually safe, avoid anything that causes discomfort or pain in your teeth.
In your liquid diet, you can include items like:
- Yogurt
- Syrup
- Smoothies
- Pureed Soups
- Broth
- Juice
- Milkshakes
During recovery, these soft, liquid foods help reduce swelling, prevent irritation around the surgery site, and ensure you get essential nutrients without straining your healing teeth and gums. These foods promote faster recovery and help avoid complications like dry sockets in gums.
Read More: Why Should You Be Careful While Eating Popcorn with Braces?
List of Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal
According to Health Services, after 24 hours, switch to soft foods to aid in a faster recovery. These foods offer dental health benefits and keep your mouth clean and bacteria-free. Further, smoothies are popular because they allow you to combine different nutrients in a smooth, digestible way.
Here are some foods that can help you recover faster:
- Cottage cheese
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Avocado
- Greek yogurt
- Soft bread
- Smoothies (without straws)
- Soft vegetables
- Cooked beans or lentils
- Boneless fish
Foods to Avoid During Dental Extraction Recovery
Just as the proper diet supports your recovery, eating the wrong foods can slow healing and raise the risk of complications. Certain foods and drinks should be avoided in the first few days after wisdom teeth removal, as they can irritate the sockets, tear stitches, or get lodged in the extraction sites.
What NOT to Eat During Recovery?
- Spicy foods (prone to irritation)
- Acidic foods and drinks (like lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar)
- Hot beverages (coffee, tea)
- Hard, crunchy, and crumbly foods (such as popcorn, chips, cookies)
- Chewy foods (like bubble or jelly)
- Nuts and seeds (can get lodged in the wound)
- Small grains (such as rice, quinoa)
- Alcohol (can irritate the wound)
- Carbonated beverages (sodas and seltzers)
- Using straws (creates suction that can dislodge blood clots)
Recovery Process/Timeline
Here’s a simplified day-by-day recovery timeline after wisdom teeth removal:
Day 1: Immediate Recovery
Diet: Stick to a liquid diet (broths, yogurt, ice cream, lukewarm soup)—no straws or anything that creates suction.
Instructions: Stay hydrated with water; you won’t rinse your mouth yet. Follow OTC pain management instructions provided by your dentist.
Day 2: Introduction of Soft Foods
Diet: Add soft foods like eggs and cottage cheese if sensitivity decreases.
Instructions: You can gently rinse with warm saltwater. Avoid hot or cold foods and focus on smooth and soft meals.
Day 3: Expanding Your Diet
Diet: Include semi-soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, and soft vegetables.
Instructions: Avoid chewing on the extraction side. Stay hydrated and enjoy smoothies or milkshakes (without straws).
Day 4: Comfort Level Increases
Diet: Add more semi-soft foods, including well-cooked chicken or beef (not chewy). Pulled pork is a good alternative.
Instructions: Be careful with chewy foods that might irritate your mouth and can cause pain.
Day 5: Reintroducing Solid Foods
Diet: Add solid foods to your diet, guided by your comfort level.
Instructions: If you feel pain while chewing, revert to soft or semi-solid foods.
Day 6 and Onward: Continuing Recovery
Diet: Continue incorporating everyday foods, avoiding hard, crunchy, and chewy items until fully healed.
Instructions: Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Gently floss and brush, being cautious around the extraction site.
Read More: What are Dental Abscesses?
What Habits to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
After wisdom tooth surgery, certain habits should be avoided to ensure a smooth recovery.
Avoid Straws
If you want to prevent bleeding or dislodging from the area where your wisdom teeth issue occurred, you should avoid using straws for a few days. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing a dry socket.
Do NOT Use Tobacco During Recovery
Tobacco products should be avoided at all costs, as smoking can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications.
Additionally, it would help to refrain from physical activities for a few days until you fully recover and avoid outside food such as spicy foods and hard foods. If you do this, you may become more susceptible to complications.
FAQs
How long until you can eat normally after wisdom teeth?
After almost 7 days of getting the wisdom tooth removed, you can return to a regular diet. Patients need to be very conscious about their food choices as they can trigger their pain. It is suggested that hard and crunchy food be avoided for some time.
Is rice okay after wisdom teeth removal?
Eating rice is okay after a few days of tooth removal. As it falls under the category of soft foods, you can also incorporate other sich foods, including oats, yogurt, smoothies, and more. Make sure that the rice is well-cooked and doesn’t need chewing.
Can I eat yogurt after wisdom teeth?
Yogurt is enriched with protein and a great snack after tooth removal. You can quickly fulfill your nourishment with yogurt and other soft foods for their smooth texture.