Wisdom teeth removal is a routine dental procedure that is quick and minimally invasive, allowing you to live more comfortably. Wisdom tooth extractions are essential if your wisdom teeth are impacted and causing complications with your surrounding teeth and gums.  

The surgery is performed with local anaesthetic for a simple extraction or under sedation or general anesthesia if you require a complex extraction. Regardless of which type of extraction you need, you may experience swelling, bruising and difficulty eating following surgery. It is essential to consume the right diet to facilitate your recovery. 

Many people are unsure what to eat after wisdom teeth are removed. Here is a recommended list of foods that are high in nutrients that you can eat after wisdom teeth removal. 

 

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth are Removed?

For the first week after surgery, your mouth will be sensitive and chewing may cause discomfort. Food particles can also become trapped inside the empty tooth socket, leading to infection. Dentists recommend a soft diet, full of nutrient-dense foods to support your body during recovery. Here is what to eat after wisdom teeth are removed. 

 

  • Blended Soup 

The ideal choice for something easy to consume that still has high nutritional value is a hearty bowl of soup. Blended soups like tomato or pumpkin with no pieces to chew are an excellent choice for the day immediately following your wisdom teeth removal

Soup also keeps you hydrated, which is critical to a quick recovery post-operation. Ensure you wait for your soup to cool to avoid irritating the removal site. 

 

  • Bone Broth

Bone broth is a light alternative to blended soups. It is made by slowly simmering chicken, beef, pork or fish bones with aromatics and stock vegetables such as carrot, onion, and celery. The broth provides a rich source of protein, collagen, and amino acids to rebuild soft tissue.

Bone broth has also been linked with reduced inflammation and improved immunity which may accelerate healing, and prevent gum disease

 

  • Greek Yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is a fantastic choice for a snack in the days following wisdom teeth removal because it is high in protein to give you long-lasting energy. It is also smooth and cold, which can provide some relief from post-surgical discomfort. 

  • Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie bowls are nutrient-dense and high in calories to provide you with the energy you need to recover quickly.

You can customise them with any type of fruit, vegetables, smooth nut butter, and milk to suit your taste. 

Avoid drinking smoothies with a straw as the negative pressure can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. 

what to eat after
  • Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are the ideal for following wisdom tooth extractions. Eggs are full of Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc, which are essential nutrients for healing. 

 

  • Mashed Vegetables

Mashed vegetables are full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals to support your body after wisdom teeth removal. Choose colourful root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beetroot, as well as squashes like pumpkin and zucchini. These energy-dense vegetables have high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin A, C and E. 

 

  • Avocado

Unlike other fruits, avocado is low in carbohydrates and high in monounsaturated fats and fatty acids, making them a fantastic option for your post-surgical diet. They contain high levels of vitamin C, K, and potassium. Studies suggest that avocado may also be linked with increased immunity and faster wound healing

 

  • Porridge

Oats are a highly nutritious grain and an excellent source of fibre for your soft food diet following wisdom teeth removal. However, as porridge has a slightly sticky texture, opt for instant oats rather than rolled or steel-cut varieties to minimise irritation to the wound site. 

 

  • Ice Cream

Cold foods like ice cream and jelly are high-energy foods that can also help to alleviate discomfort and swelling around the surgical site. However, these foods are low in nutrients and high in sugar, making them less suitable than other options. 

For a healthy alternative to ice cream that can still help reduce inflammation, try banana “nice” cream. Cut 3-4 large ripe bananas into slices and freeze overnight. Blend the frozen banana with a splash of your milk of choice until you get the consistency of soft serve. 

 

Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal 

After your wisdom teeth are removed, it may be two weeks until you can resume your regular diet. During your recovery, stick to soft foods for the first 3-5 days, gradually increasing the consistency and texture of the food.  

Until your wisdom teeth removal site has healed, there are several food groups to avoid, because they can irritate the wound site, become stuck in the socket, or cut the soft tissue causing bleeding and increasing the risk of infection. Food groups that you should avoid after wisdom teeth removal include:

  • Spicy or acidic foods such as citrus or chillies
  • Nuts, seeds and grains which can become lodged around the extraction site
  • Sticky foods 
  • Hard foods such as crackers or chips, which may reopen stitches or cut the gum tissue
  • Alcoholic drinks, as they may interact with pain medication and inhibit healing 

You should also avoid smoking or chewing tobacco during your recovery, as it can significantly increase the risk of post-surgical complications. 

 

Final Thoughts

If you are experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, the best way to alleviate discomfort is with wisdom teeth removal. However, to speed up your recovery and prevent complications or infection, you need to eat a modified diet with soft, high-calorie, nutritious foods. 

To schedule your wisdom tooth extraction, call the experienced staff at Advanced Dental Care in Dubbo on (02) 6188 7103, and talk to your dentist further about the full range of foods to eat after wisdom tooth extractions. 

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