What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. A wisdom tooth, or third molar, is impacted when there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate it. Here are foods you can consume after getting a wisdom tooth removal:

Soft Foods

For the first day after wisdom teeth removal, you should stick to soft foods while your jaw heals. Avoid crunchy or hard foods like chips, nuts, and crackers. Instead, opt for softer options like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, ice cream, smoothies, and cold cereal. These foods are both soothing on the mouth and easy to eat. If your procedure was in the morning, you might even choose to take the rest of the day off to recover at home. However, if your procedure is in the afternoon, you should plan to resume work or school the next day.

Broth or Soup

Liquids, such as broth or soup, are recommended after having wisdom teeth removed because they are easy to swallow and won’t require any chewing. Another good choice is smoothies that don’t require much effort to drink, but make sure to use natural (no sugar added) ingredients like bananas, berries, and yogurt. Stay away from drinks with carbonation because they can cause dry sockets to form. Avoid spicy soups, acidic foods, and hard candies that could damage the surgical site.

Remember to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming these liquids. Water will help wash away food debris and bacteria that can cause further irritation to the mouth. If you experience severe pain or swelling, rinsing with a saltwater solution can help draw fluids away from the area. Talk to your dentist about what type of saltwater solution you should use.

Mashed Potatoes

If you have sore gums or jaw after your wisdom teeth removal, mashed potatoes are soft enough to eat without causing pain. They will also help soothe your nerves and make you feel relaxed. You can use any type of potato for your mashed side dish, but try to stay away from canned potatoes because they won’t taste quite as good. For an extra dose of nutrients, top your dish with cheese or sour cream. Cheese contains calcium and protein to keep your teeth healthy, while sour cream is rich in probiotics that help restore and maintain the health of your digestive system.

Add a little milk to your mashed potatoes to make them creamier. Milk is an excellent source of phosphorus, which strengthens the enamel that protects your teeth from harmful acids.

Ice Cream or Pudding

Soft, cold foods are recommended after wisdom tooth removal. Ice cream and pudding are both good options because they are soft on the gums and easy to chew. Try eating them immediately after your procedure while your mouth is still numb. This will help prevent discomfort if you do feel pain later on.

Just like ice cream and pudding, yogurt is easy to ingest and is soothing to the mouth as well. If you can keep food in your mouth without chewing for twenty seconds or more, it may help reduce swelling. If you have sensitive teeth, you may also want to avoid hot or spicy foods after your wisdom teeth are removed. This is because the heat could irritate your already-sensitive gum tissues.

To learn more, call us at (833) 394-7366 and book an appointment with our dentist at 287 E. Hunt Hwy. #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.