You’ve just had your wisdom teeth removed, or are about to head in for surgery. One question might be nagging you, though, and that’s what can you eat after your teeth are extracted?
You’re not going to want to chow down on a big juicy steak right after surgery, nor should you. Although your diet will be limited for a few days or even a few weeks after you have your wisdom teeth removed, there are still plenty of foods that are on the table, as it were. While you’re recovering from the surgery, the following foods will keep you from going hungry and won’t cause you too much pain or stress.
Mashed Foods
Mashed foods, such as mashed potatoes, are not only a good option after your wisdom tooth surgery, they are also pretty comforting. When you’re in a bit of pain, a bowl of mashed potatoes, with or without gravy, can be soothing. Since chewing can be difficult immediately after your surgery, make sure the potatoes you eat are completely smooth, even if you usually prefer a few lumps. You also want to make sure the potatoes aren’t too hot, as you don’t want to burn your mouth or irritate the surgical area.
Admittedly, mashed potatoes might not be the healthiest of options, since they are pretty starchy. If you prefer, try mashed sweet potatoes, which have a bit more fiber and nutrients, or sub in another veggie although, such as turnips or carrots.
Ice Cream and Milkshakes
Ice cream might not be something you usually eat, because it’s high in sugar and calories, but hey, you just had to undergo surgery, so it’s OK to treat yourself a little bit. Plus, ice cream is an ideal post-tooth extraction snack, since it’s soft and easy to eat without chewing. Just make sure you skip the ice cream cone.
A milkshake can also be a good treat after your wisdom teeth are taken out, with one big caveat. You’ll need to skip the straw. Sucking on a straw creates pressure in your mouth, which can cause the blood clot in the surgical area to come loose, leading to a dry socket. At Gallardo & Lamas, the use of growth factors is part of every surgical procedure that is done, including removal of wisdom teeth which reduces the chances of dry socket.
Soups
After oral surgery, some types of soups are better than others. Skip the soups with big pieces of meat or vegetables in them, as you’ll need to chew those pieces of food, which can be tricky. Instead, look for pureed soups, such as cream of tomato or cream of your favorite vegetable. Chicken noodle soup is usually OK after surgery, since the small pieces of chicken and noodles are pretty soft and easy to swallow without a lot of chewing.
It’s usually a good idea to wait a few days after surgery before trying soup, just because it will be quite hot, which can cause discomfort. Before you dip your spoon into a nice bowl of soup, let it cool a bit to avoid burning your mouth.
Cream of Wheat or Oatmeal
What better thing to eat for breakfast after your wisdom teeth are removed than cream of wheat or a bowl of oatmeal? Both are pretty soft and comforting. If you do choose oatmeal, though, make sure it’s not terribly chewy. Instant oatmeal might be your best bet here, compared to steel cut oats.
Soft Fruits
Making sure you get enough fiber after your surgery can be a challenge, since you’re limited to soft foods. Plenty of fruits are high in fiber, and even better, can be made into a soft food. For example, apples, which are usually crunchy and require a lot of chewing, are perfect to eat after surgery once they’ve been turned into applesauce.
If you enjoy smoothies, the days after your wisdom teeth are taken out are the ideal time to drink them. Throw some frozen fruits in a blender, add a bit of yogurt and juice, and you have a healthy, high-fiber breakfast or snack.
Scrambled Eggs
While some ways of preparing eggs can leave them too chewy to enjoy after surgery, such as hard boiled or fried eggs, scrambling eggs is the ideal way to prepare them for a meal after your teeth are extracted. Scrambled eggs are soft and fluffy and don’t require much, if any, chewing. They’re also a good source of protein, and can replace any meats you’re not able to eat during your recovery period.
Dr. Juan Arroyo, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with more than 15 years of experience, now performs wisdom teeth removal and other surgeries at the Miami practice of Drs. Gallardo and Lamas. To learn more about the wisdom tooth removal process, what you can expect, and whether it’s a good option for you, call (305) 447-1447 today.
