After wisdom tooth extraction, proper diet and aftercare are crucial for a smooth and speedy recovery. This article provides a detailed guide on what to eat, what to avoid, and other helpful routines to ensure optimal healing.
Initial Post-Extraction Care
Following the extraction of wisdom teeth, a gauze compress is placed on the wound, and the patient is instructed to keep their jaws closed firmly for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. It is normal to experience some blood oozing from the tooth socket for about 24 hours after tooth removal. Patients will likely need to replace the gauze every 30 to 45 minutes as needed to control bleeding. Gauze should be used for several hours after surgery to ensure bleeding is controlled. If bleeding does not slow or stop, ensure the gauze is placed directly over the bleeding area, and firm, uninterrupted pressure is maintained for at least 45 minutes. A tea bag can also be used; place it over the extraction site and bite firmly. The tannic acid in the tea aids clotting.
The Importance of Diet After Wisdom Teeth Removal
The days after wisdom teeth removal require patients to be thoughtful about using their mouths to ensure wounds heal properly. After an extraction, swelling often occurs around the mouth and in the cheeks, making it difficult to eat normally. Ice packs and pain relief can be used to reduce pain, but smart eating is crucial.
Part of the healing process is allowing a blood clot to form in the extraction site. This clot protects the underlying bone and nerves. However, clots can fail to form when the area becomes disrupted, leading to a condition known as ‘dry socket’. Without the clot, nerves are exposed, causing immense pain and discomfort.
The First 24 Hours: Soft Foods and Liquids
The initial day after wisdom teeth removal should consist of very soft foods or liquids that require no chewing. For the first two hours after the extraction, avoid eating anything at all. For the rest of the day, focus on liquidy substances including broths, yoghurt, ice-cream and soup. Nothing should exceed a lukewarm temperature.
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Recommended Foods:
- Yoghurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Jelly
- Blended soups (lukewarm or cold)
- Broths (lukewarm or cold)
- Ice cream
Days 2-7: Reintroducing Semi-Soft Foods
After the first 24 hours, semi-soft foods can be gradually reincorporated, such as eggs, pasta, soft vegetables, chicken, and beef. If the mouth is still very tender and sensitive, it might be worth sticking to soft foods for longer. By this point, your swelling should be reducing and you should be able to include semi-soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta and soft vegetables.
Recommended Foods:
- Scrambled eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Soft vegetables
- Chicken (soft and well-cooked)
- Beef (soft and well-cooked)
Foods to Enjoy After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Choosing what to eat after wisdom teeth removal can be daunting, considering the discomfort and dietary limitations following the procedure. Nevertheless, having a nourishing diet is vital for recovery.
Blended Soups: Blended soups, such as tomato soup and pumpkin soup, are great to eat during the first 5 days after having wisdom teeth removed. They’re easy to consume, don’t require chewing, and don’t contain bits that could irritate the surgical sites. Blended soups may also be packed with nutrient-dense vegetables and legumes, which are rich in micronutrients. Plus, soup can help you stay hydrated, which is very important after surgery. It’s wise to make sure your soups are either lukewarm or cold, because hot soups might cause irritation. Also, make sure to blend vegetable-based soups until they’re as smooth as possible to avoid chunks.
Broths: Like soups, broths may be an excellent source of nourishment and hydration for the first few days after surgery. As with soup, remember to consume the broth either lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating the wound.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a nutritious, smooth, and creamy food that may help soothe and numb your mouth after dental surgery. Adequate zinc intake may also promote wound healing.
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Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes are a root vegetable that can be prepared in many ways. When mashed, they may be comforting after you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed. They’re rich in calories and nutrients, which is important for recovery. People have slightly higher energy requirements after having surgery. Before eating mashed potatoes, make sure they’re completely smooth and have no chunks in them. Adding butter, milk, or water might help loosen the mash. It’s important to eat them lukewarm to prevent irritating your wound.
Scrambled Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a fantastic semisoft food to start eating once you’re ready to slowly chew with your other teeth. They’re a high quality source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamins A and B12, zinc, iron, and selenium. These are all important for maintaining a healthy immune system and healing wounds.
Applesauce: Eating applesauce is one way to increase your fruit intake within 24 hours of surgery. Applesauce is usually made from pureed apples, which are typically skinless and cored. Nevertheless, a skinless apple is a good source of vitamin C, which may help reduce inflammation and pain, boost your immune system, and improve fibroblast migration and in vitro wound closure.
Mashed Bananas: The soft texture of a banana makes it easy to chew, savor, and swallow once you’re ready to gradually start chewing after dental surgery. Bananas are incredibly nutritious, providing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and folate. Mashing bananas could further soften their texture to reduce the risk of discomfort.
Banana Ice Cream: The coldness of ice cream may have a soothing effect on the extraction wound. Banana ice cream is a healthy and delicious homemade alternative.
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- Ingredients: 3-4 bananas, peeled; a splash of your preferred milk, such as dairy, almond, or oat.
- Instructions: Place the bananas in the freezer for 3-4 hours or overnight. Slice the frozen bananas. Place the slices in a blender and add milk. Blend until the mixture has a thick, smooth consistency. Enjoy.
Avocado: Avocados are low in carbs but high in healthy fats. They’re a rich source of vitamins K and C and potassium, and they boast many other health benefits. Their smooth, creamy texture makes them great for eating when you’re recovering from dental surgery. It may be best to consume guacamole or whipped or mashed avocados during your recovery.
Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to boost your nutrient intake when you can’t eat a solid meal. They’re easy to consume, customizable to your tastes and nutrition goals, and highly versatile. For example, smoothies with Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder may significantly boost your protein intake, while fruit-loaded smoothies may increase your fiber intake. For a healthy, balanced smoothie, add fruits, vegetables, and a protein source to the blender.
Hummus: Hummus is a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein. This makes hummus an excellent food for someone who has just had their wisdom teeth removed. During your recovery, you won’t be able to enjoy the hummus with chips or pita bread because their crunchy texture may damage the wound. But hummus is still delicious to eat by itself.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is low in calories but packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also soft and creamy, which may make it easier to eat as you gradually start to chew again. Try adding it to scrambled eggs or smoothies or just eating it on its own.
Instant Oatmeal: Oats are among the most nutritious foods. They’re filling, they’re a good source of fiber, and they contain vitamins and minerals. To avoid irritation, make sure the oats have cooled before eating them.
Mashed Pumpkin: Mashed, cooked pumpkin is great to eat after you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed. Its soft, mushy texture makes it easy to chew and swallow without causing irritation. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and E and minerals such as potassium. As with mashed potatoes or bananas, make sure your pumpkin is fully mashed and cooled before eating it.
Salmon: Salmon is one of the healthiest fish you can eat. It’s also great to eat once you’re ready to start chewing during your recovery from surgery. Salmon is a rich source of protein and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. These fats may aid wound healing by reducing inflammation, especially if you have low omega-3 levels. Non-salty salmon is preferable.
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Several types of foods may irritate the extraction wounds in your mouth or dislodge the blood clots, which are crucial for healing after surgery. It is a common fear among patients that they will get food stuck in wisdom teeth holes. If you do find yourself with food lodged in the extraction area, a gentle saltwater or herbal tea rinse may help to dislodge it. However, we only recommend using these for the first 24 hours after the extraction process.
During your recovery, avoid consuming:
- Spicy Foods: Spicy foods may cause pain and irritation.
- Crunchy and Crumbly Foods: Crunchy and crumbly foods (such as chips or cookies) may get lodged in the wound area and potentially cause infections or complications.
- Grains, Seeds, and Nuts: Most grains, seeds, and nuts may get lodged in the wound and disrupt healing. Avoid popcorn and all seedy type food (e.g., raspberries) and any other food that may easily get caught in the extraction sites.
- Chewy Foods: Chewy foods for a few days might increase your risk of biting your cheek, lips, and tongue, especially while your mouth is still numb.
- Alcohol: Alcohol may irritate the wound or interact with any prescribed medication. It’s best to avoid alcohol entirely during the recovery period.
- Hot Foods and Beverages: Hot foods and drinks can increase blood flow to the surgical area and potentially lead to bleeding.
- Acidic Foods and Beverages: Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and juices, can also irritate the surgical area and slow down the healing process.
- Straws: Using straws can create suction in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot and increase the risk of dry socket.
- Tobacco Products: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Oral Hygiene During Recovery
DO NOT rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with the oral rinse, if prescribed by your doctor, or with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) 2-3 times a day for 1 week. As soon as possible, brush your teeth gently. Brush on the tops of teeth only as you near the surgical sites with your toothbrush. Continue to brush your teeth and keep your mouth as clean as possible. A prescription-strength mouth rinse has been prescribed. To use: stand in front of a mirror and pull back your cheek to see the surgery site. With warm water in the syringe, place the tip near the surgery site and rinse.
Other Important Considerations
- Medications: Prescriptions should be taken as directed. They are prescribed to provide pain control. As healing occurs the pain will decrease. Women taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are recommended to use other methods of contraception while taking antibiotics.
- Activity: No activity that increases your heart rate should be performed for the first 5 days following surgery. DO NOT operate a motor vehicle or machinery while taking pain medication.
- Swelling: Swelling to some extent follows nearly every tooth extraction. This is nature's way of beginning the healing process. The swelling is often quite severe after the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. An ice pack applied intermittently for up to 48 hours may help to reduce the swelling. The swelling will usually reach a maximum in 36 to 48 hours.
- Sutures: Depending on the extent of the procedures, sutures (stitches) may be placed in order to help wound healing. The non-dissolvable sutures need to be removed as early as 7 to 10 days. Your stitches have been placed to control bleeding and encourage healing.
- Dry Socket: Dry socket is the premature breakdown of the blood clot. This typically occurs between the third and fifth day after surgery. It is more common in females. It is more common in patients that smoke or have medical conditions that affect healing. If you overexert yourself physically then you are more likely to get a dry socket. Symptoms that may indicate you have a dry socket are increased pain and a bad taste in your mouth. Typically, the pain radiates to your ear. We treat dry socket by flushing the area and replacing a dressing. If a dry socket goes untreated, the area often fills with food debris or bacteria. This worsens pain and swelling and allows infection. This compounds into other symptoms including fever, discharge and sensitivity.
- Hydration: We encourage you to drink lots of liquids and maintain a soft diet. Avoid hot liquids as this may prematurely dissolve the blood clot. Do not drink alcohol as this can have compounding effects with pain medicine and may alter the effects of other prescribed medications.
Recovery Timeline
Wisdom teeth removal recovery time takes one to two weeks on average. But most people can resume school, work and other routines in about three to five days.
- Days 1-3: Focus on liquid and very soft foods. Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Days 3-5: Gradually introduce semi-soft foods. Monitor for signs of dry socket.
- Days 5-7: Continue to expand your diet with softer options. Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Weeks 1-2: Most people can return to a normal diet within one week of having their wisdom teeth removed.
When to Contact Your Dentist
If any of the following should occur, do not hesitate to contact us during regular office hours at (702) 660-5574.
- Pain which is not controlled by the prescribed dose of medication.
- If pain, bleeding or swelling gets worse again after four days, tell your surgeon. It might mean you have an infection. They can give you antibiotics to help.
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