Soft Foods to Enjoy After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After undergoing wisdom teeth removal, diligent care of your mouth and the surgical sites is paramount for ensuring proper healing. A critical aspect of this care involves adhering to a diet of soft foods that won't disrupt the extraction sites, thus preventing infection and promoting swift recovery. It’s important to take proactive steps to prevent complications. The proper diet will speed up your recovery, whereas the wrong diet increases your risk of infection and dry socket. It is uncommon for complications to arise after getting your wisdom teeth removed. But complications can occur if the blood clots can’t fully form over the extraction site, or it gets reopened. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best food choices following wisdom teeth removal, combining expert recommendations and practical tips to help you navigate your post-operative diet with ease.

Initial Post-Surgery Dietary Guidelines

In the initial days following wisdom teeth removal, it's essential to start with liquids and gradually introduce very soft foods that require minimal to no chewing. It’s essential to keep your body hydrated to speed up post-operative recovery. You must drink sufficient water and consume juicy fruits to prevent dehydration. Your dentist might suggest soft foods high in nutrients, which should be taken seriously. Be sure to avoid flavors that come with large pieces of fruit, cookie crumbles, or other crunchy additions. The goal is to reduce chewing as much as possible so you don’t disturb the clot or stitches at the surgery site​. Moreover, it’s important to avoid any foods, including the items on this list, that are too hot or too cold. Also, avoid food and drinks that are especially hot or cold. Do not drink alcohol as this can have compounding effects with pain medicine and may alter the effects of other prescribed medications. The following guidelines should be observed:

• Temperature Awareness: Do not eat anything that is hotter than lukewarm to avoid burning the mouth and damaging the surgical area. It can take up to 24 hours for the effects of anesthesia to fully wear off, and numbness can remain in and around the mouth for several hours after surgery. Hot temperatures can dissolve or dislodge the blood clot protecting your wound, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. So, no scalding hot soup, coffee, or tea - let them cool to lukewarm.
• Gentle Eating: Eat small, slow bites, chewing gently (if chewing is needed at all) and, if possible, chew on the side opposite the surgery site.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and support healing, such as water, milk, and herbal tea.
• Straw Avoidance: Do not use straws for at least the first week. The suction from sipping through a straw can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket​. Instead, sip directly from a cup.

Foods to Avoid

Just as important as what you should eat is what you should NOT eat during your recovery. Certain foods and drinks can disrupt healing or cause pain and complications. During your recovery, avoid consuming the following:

• Hard, Crunchy, or Crumbly Foods: These can easily scrape or get lodged in the surgical site and hinder healing. Avoid foods that are hard to chew or that break into sharp pieces, including chips, nuts, popcorn, crackers, hard breads, and even crunchy cookies.
• Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can irritate the surgical site and potentially cause discomfort.
• 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. Stay away from anything that could irritate or injure the healing gums. This means no spicy or acidic foods (for example, hot salsa or citrus juices) which can sting and cause pain​.
• Chewy Foods: Steer clear of things like chewy candy, toffees, caramels, gummy candies, and chewing gum. Chewy foods for a few days, as they might increase your risk of biting your cheek, lips, and tongue, especially while your mouth is still numb.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Skip sodas, sparkling water, beer, wine, and cocktails during your initial recovery period. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and may interact negatively with any pain medications you’ve been prescribed. It’s best to wait until you’re fully healed before drinking alcoholic beverages.

Recommended Soft Foods

Here is an extensive list of soft foods you can enjoy after wisdom teeth removal, categorized for easy reference:

Soups and Broths

Broth-based or blended soups are great following wisdom teeth removal because they do not require chewing and do not contain anything that can damage the extraction sites. They’re easy to consume, don’t require chewing, and don’t contain bits that could irritate the surgical sites. These are easy to consume, don’t require chewing, and don’t contain bits that could irritate the surgical sites. As with soup, remember to consume the broth either lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating the wound. Blended soups also help keep you hydrated. Broths, like soups, may be an excellent source of nourishment and hydration for the first few days after surgery. 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. Some options include:

Read also: Nourishing Meals for Esophageal Health

• Blended Soups: Pumpkin, tomato, beef broth, and cream of celery.
• Bone Broth: Made by simmering bones and connective tissues from various animals.

Dairy and Alternatives

Dairy products and alternatives offer essential nutrients and can be soothing for the mouth:

• Greek Yogurt: A nutritious, smooth, and creamy food that may help soothe and numb your mouth after dental surgery.
• Cottage Cheese: Low in calories but packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Try adding it to scrambled eggs or smoothies or just eating it on its own.
• Yogurt: Choose from a variety of fruity flavors like strawberry, lemon, peach, cherry, and more. Be sure to avoid yogurt with crunchy additives, like granola or cookie crumbles.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent food to eat after oral surgery. They have a high amount of quality protein that is rich in vitamins and minerals. While eggs cooked in numerous ways are generally soft, scrambled eggs are ideal because they are easier to chew and swallow. 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.

• Scrambled Eggs: Soft and scrambled eggs are a good source of protein. They are great for facilitating recovery.

Fruits

Fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals, crucial for recovery:

• Applesauce: Eating applesauce is a great way to increase your food intake without whole apples damaging your extraction sites. Applesauce is usually made from pureed apples, which are typically skinless and cored. This reduces their nutritional content since the skin contains many vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. 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. 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. How to make banana ice cream: Ingredients include 3-4 bananas (peeled) and a splash of your preferred milk. Place the bananas in the freezer for 3-4 hours or overnight. Slice the frozen bananas and place the slices in a blender, then add milk. Blend until the mixture has a thick, smooth consistency, then enjoy.

Vegetables

Vegetables are vital for nutrients and should be prepared to be as soft as possible:

• Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes that are whipped to a smooth consistency are a fiber-rich, tasty food to enjoy after wisdom tooth surgery. They are higher in calories and nutrients, which can restore energy after surgery. You can benefit from the nutrients of mashed potatoes with just a few bites, making this a great option for those struggling to eat. Be sure to thoroughly mash the potatoes and get all of the lumps out.
• 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. As with mashed potatoes or bananas, make sure your pumpkin is fully mashed and cooled before eating it.
• Avocado: Avocados are a unique fruit. While most fruits are high in carbs, avocados are low in carbs but high in healthy fats. 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.

Grains

Grains can provide essential fiber and nutrients:

Read also: Oral Surgery Diet Tips

• Instant Oatmeal: Oats are filling and are a great source of fiber, plus other vitamins and minerals. Oats tend to be a little sticky, so you may need to wait 2-3 days after your wisdom tooth extraction to eat them. Instant oats may be a better option than other types of oats, such as steel cut, since they’re less chewy. To avoid irritation, make sure the oats have cooled before eating them.

Protein

Getting enough protein is crucial for healing. Focus on soft, easy-to-chew options:

• Salmon: Salmon is one of the healthiest types of fish to eat and is a great source of protein to enjoy after oral surgery because it is soft and easy to chew. Salmon has a lot of healthy fats as well, like omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.

Other Options

• Smoothies: Smoothies are excellent sources of nutrients and are incredibly versatile. You can choose the fruits and vegetables to suit your taste and to receive the vitamins and minerals you need. Add a scoop of Greek yogurt or protein powder to your smoothie to up your protein intake. For a healthy, balanced smoothie, add fruits, vegetables, and a protein source to the blender. It’s best to avoid seeded fruits such as strawberries and blackberries during your recovery.
• Hummus: Hummus is another easy-to-eat food that you can purchase from the grocery store or make by yourself. To do this, blend chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, garlic, and lemon in a food processor. 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.
• Jell-O and Pudding: Jell-O and pudding come in a variety of flavors to choose from. These easy-to-eat options have a long shelf life, making them a great choice for those who may not have a caretaker with them at all times during recovery. Be sure to avoid flavors that come with large pieces of fruit, cookie crumbles, or other crunchy additions.

Recipes for a Soft Food Diet

To make your post-surgery diet interesting and nourishing, here are five easy recipes that fit the criteria for soft foods.

Smooth Banana Oatmeal

This recipe gives you fiber and is easy to swallow. If oatmeal is too thick for you, thin it out with extra milk.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of quick oats
• 1 cup of milk or water
• 1 ripe banana
• a pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, cook the oats with milk or water until very soft and porridge-like.
2. Mash the banana thoroughly and stir it into the cooked oatmeal.
3. Add a pinch of cinnamon for flavor if you like.

Soft Scrambled Eggs

The result is fluffy, protein-packed scrambled eggs that are easy to gum and swallow.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add milk, and whisk until well blended.
2. In a nonstick pan, melt the butter on low heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and cook scrambled eggs slowly on low, stirring gently.
4. Cook until they are just set and still soft (avoid overcooking, as they get rubbery or too firm).
5. Stir in a bit of shredded cheese at the end for extra protein and flavor, letting it melt.

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is rich in vitamin A.

Read also: The Hoxsey Diet

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• a splash of milk
• a pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil or steam them until they are extremely soft (a fork should slide through easily).
3. Drain the water and place the cooked sweet potatoes in a bowl.
4. Add butter and a splash of milk, then mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until completely smooth and creamy. (You can also use a blender or food processor for an ultra-smooth texture.)
5. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

The chicken and vegetable soup should be thick and easy to swallow without much chewing. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals - a perfect healing meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup of shredded chicken
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the carrots, potato, and zucchini into small, uniform pieces.
2. In a pot, combine the vegetables, shredded chicken, broth, and bay leaf.
3. Boil, then simmer until the vegetables are extremely soft.
4. Remove the bay leaf.
5. For an even softer texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly (you can puree completely for a drinkable broth or leave a bit of texture if you’re ready for that).

Avocado Cottage Cheese Blend

This avocado and cottage cheese blend is an excellent snack or side dish that’s high in healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe avocado
• ¼ cup of cottage cheese
• a drizzle of olive oil (optional)
• a pinch of salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice the ripe avocado and scoop it into a bowl.
2. Add the cottage cheese.
3. Using a fork, mash the two together until you achieve a smooth, creamy blend.
4. You can add a tiny drizzle of olive oil to enrich the texture and a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor (avoid too much pepper or spice).

Additional Post-Operative Care

Besides diet, proper post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery:

• Oral Hygiene: Starting on day two or three, you can gently floss and brush your teeth.
• Rinsing: 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.
• Medication: Prescriptions should be taken as directed to provide pain control. As healing occurs, the pain will decrease. DO NOT operate a motor vehicle or machinery while taking pain medication.

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