If you’ve just had your wisdom teeth removed or are about to head in for surgery, one question may be nagging you—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, plenty of foods remain on the table, as it were. While you’re recovering from the dental procedure, the following list of 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 teeth removal Miami, but they are also pretty comforting. When you’re in a bit of pain, a bowl of mashed potatoes, with or without a gravy or sour cream, 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, 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 with your comforting food. 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.
Cold food as 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, the use of growth factors is part of every surgical procedure that is done, including the removal of wisdom teeth, which reduces the chances of dry sockets.
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 tomato soup or cream of your favorite vegetable. Chicken noodle soup is usually OK during the healing process 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 hot food, let it cool a bit to avoid burning your mouth.
Cream of Wheat or Oatmeal
Two of the best foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal, what is better than a cream of wheat or a bowl of oatmeal in breakfast? 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 sources of fiber and, even better, can be made into 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.
Seedless fruits such as bananas are an excellent choice after wisdom tooth extraction Miami. Whether you choose to puree them or mash them up, they provide the perfect smooth consistency, and food particles won’t irritate the surgical area. Try adding them to oatmeal or cream of wheat for breakfast.
If you enjoy smoothies, the days after your wisdom teeth are taken out are the ideal time to drink them. Throw frozen fruit 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.
Other foods
Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein and can be enjoyed with granola or fruit for breakfast. Protein powder can easily be added to smoothies or shakes to provide an extra boost of nutrition.
Dairy products such as soft cheeses like cream or ricotta cheese are gentle on the gums and add a delicious addition to scrambled eggs. Cottage cheese provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and D, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
All these foods are ideal for the days after Miami wisdom teeth removal as they offer essential nutrition without having to chew hard foods that cause discomfort.
What food should be avoided following wisdom tooth surgery?
In your recover from wisdom tooth removal, it’s important to avoid certain foods that could aggravate your mouth and cause pain. Spicy foods, such as vindaloo or salsa, are usually a no-no because they tend to irritate the surgical site. Acidic food can also be too harsh on your gums. Sticky and hard foods should also be avoided, as they can disrupt the healing process.
Avoid any type of chewy foods, such as chunks of meat, as these can pull on your stitches. Additionally, you should also avoid crunchy snacks such as chips and popcorn, as well as crusty bread, as they can be too hard on your gums and could cause an infection. While trying some of these foods during your recovery period may be tempting, it’s important to eat soft foods and stick with it, they won’t cause any irritation or disruption in the healing process.
Keep in mind that sugary foods should be avoided after this procedure, as sugar can slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection on the extraction site. Instead, focus on eating softer foods that are high in protein and vitamins to help promote proper healing. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids is essential for a speedy recovery and hydration.
When can I have solid food post-wisdom tooth surgery?
When recovering from wisdom teeth extraction, it is important to follow the recovery times provided by your dentist to reduce the risk of complications and maintain a healthy diet. During recovery, avoid hard and crunchy foods that may put pressure on the surgical area and cause the blood clot to come loose. Healthy food will help provide the necessary nutrients while avoiding potential complications.
Remember to maintain good oral hygiene during the recovery period following wisdom teeth removal surgery. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and using an antibacterial mouthwash every night before bed. Don’t forget to take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist, as it can help reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process. Following these steps will help ensure that you have a successful recovery.
When can I have solid food post-wisdom tooth surgery?
When recovering from wisdom teeth extraction, it is important to follow the recovery times provided by your dentist to reduce the risk of complications and maintain a healthy diet. During recovery, avoid hard and crunchy foods that may put pressure on the surgical area and cause the blood clot to come loose. Healthy food will help provide the necessary nutrients while avoiding potential complications.
Remember to maintain good oral hygiene during the recovery period following wisdom teeth removal surgery. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and using an antibacterial mouthwash every night before bed. Don’t forget to take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist, as it can help reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process. Following these steps will help ensure that you have a successful recovery.
Schedule a consultation for oral surgery!
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 Dr. Gallardo. To learn more about the wisdom tooth removal process, what you can expect, and whether it’s a good option for you, contact us today!
