8 Foods you can eat after your wisdom teeth are removed
About 90% of people have at least one of their third molars, commonly called the wisdom tooth, removed at some point in their life. Many people have all four taken out to prevent future dental problems. If you undergo this relatively minor procedure, knowing what to eat post-surgery can lead to a much smoother recovery. Try a few of these nutritious and tasty treats to help ease your recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction.
What can I eat after having my wisdom teeth removed?
For 3 to 5 Days you will want to stick to liquids and soft, mushy foods such as:
- Apple sauce
- Ice cream and sorbets
- Soups and Broths
- Jell-O and puddings
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
1. Apple Sauce
The origin of applesauce is often associated with Central Europe, but the first written mention is found in an English cookbook Compleat Housewife, written by Eliza Smith in 1739.
The smooth, pureed texture of applesauce makes it an excellent soft food to eat after you have your wisdom teeth removal. Applesauce contains a lot of vitamin C and dietary fiber, which are both part of a healthy diet. Very little jaw movement is needed which will aid in healing and helps to prevent soreness.
A wide range of apple varieties are used to make apple sauce, depending on the preference for sweetness or tartness. Formerly, sour apples were used to make savory apple sauce. Nevertheless, a skinless apple is a good source of vitamins like vitamin C. This vitamin may help boost the immune system, which in turn may aid the wound healing process.
2. Ice cream and sorbets
The origins of frozen desserts are obscure although several accounts exist about their history. Some sources describe ice cream-like foods as originating in Persia as far back as 550 BC while others claim that the Roman Emperor Nero had ice collected from the Apennine Mountains to produce the first sorbet mixed with honey and wine. Although sorbets are believed to have been invented in Persia, other accounts say ice cream originated in the Mongol Empire and first spread to China during its expansion.
Eating your favorite flavor of ice cream or sorbet after wisdom teeth extraction is a welcome treat. Pnly eat soft-serve, especially for the first couple days following the surgery, as it requires less effort to eat. This cool confection soothes the inflamed tissue and promotes a quicker healing process.
Avoid cones because it can overwork the jaw and small bits can get lodged in the extraction site, causing irritation or infection. Also avoid eating flavors like Rocky Road and Chocolate Chip until after the surgical area has had time to heal which is 5-7 days.
3. Soups and broths
Broth-based soups are a great source of relief for wisdom teeth removal patients. Although you may not feel up to eating soups until 1-2 days after the surgery, it can provide plenty of protein, as well as an alternative to the sugar-filled foods typically suggested after wisdom teeth extraction. Enjoy warm soup (not hot!) to get plenty of nutrients and maintain a healthy diet after your wisdom teeth surgery.
While you should steer clear of soups that contain large chunks of meat or vegetables, some small bits in the broth are acceptable. A few good options to eat after your surgery include chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, beef broth, or cream of celery soup.
4. Jell-O and puddings
Jell-O is a variety of gelatin desserts, puddings, and no-bake cream pies. The original gelatin dessert began in Le Roy, New York, in 1897 after Pearle Bixby Wait and wife May trademarked the name for a product made from strawberry, raspberry, orange, or lemon or lime flavoring added to sugar and granulated gelatin, which had been patented in 1845.
Jell-O and pudding come in a variety of flavors, the variety helps with a restrictive post-operative diet. Use the instant packets or quick recipes on the box for faster and easier preparation.
5. Mashed potatoes
Mashed potato is a dish made by mashing boiled potatoes, usually with added milk, butter, salt and pepper. Mashed potatoes contain lots of fiber, mashed potatoes are great to eat after having your wisdom teeth removed. All you need to do is whip the potatoes to a smooth consistency and you’ll have created a delicious meal that’s super easy to eat.
Creamy mashed potatoes are easy to eat and can be topped with extras like gravy, butter, and sour cream to allow for more variety in your post-operative diet. Just make sure that your mashed potatoes are lukewarm or cold, as hot foods may irritate the wound.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is a nutritious high-protein food you can enjoy after dental surgery. It has a smooth and creamy texture that may help soothe and numb your mouth. The smooth, light consistency makes it an ideal food for patients recovering from wisdom tooth surgery. Avoid yogurts with granola or any added ingredients that have to be chewed. yogurt flavor like lemon or strawberry gives you some of the nutrients you need while making it easier to take medications prescribed for pain or discomfort.
7. Scrambled eggs
Eggs are among the best foods to eat after having your wisdom teeth out. They’re a source of high quality protein rich in vitamins and minerals. When it comes to buying eggs, try to find pasteurized or omega-3-enriched varieties. Omega-3 fats may aid wound healing.
Scrambled eggs can be easier to chew and swallow, compared with other egg preparations.
8. Smoothies
A smoothie is a drink made by puréeing fruit and vegetables in a blender. A smoothie often has a liquid base such as fruit juice, dairy products, milk, yogurt, ice cream or cottage cheese. Other ingredients are often added, including non-dairy milk, crushed ice, sweeteners (honey or sugar), vinegar, whey powder, chocolate or nutritional supplements replacing entire meals.
Don’t drink your smoothie from a straw. The pressure can disrupt the healing site and lead to dry sockets. Make sure you use a spoon, especially for the first few days after surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
Why do we have wisdom teeth? When early humans were still developing, they consumed a much different diet than we have today. This rough diet caused teeth to drift naturally into an arch that could accommodate a third molar in the back of the mouth. The wisdom teeth can be a valuable asset and assist in everyday function. Their broad surfaces and surplus of four or five cusps can assist in grinding food and chewing.
If I can’t feel my wisdom teeth, do they still have to be removed? Many people don’t feel their wisdom teeth, but that doesn’t mean that they are not there or do not pose any risk. If they are positioned under your gums in a way that will damage or misalign your teeth or if they are at risk for infection, they will be recommended for removal, even if you’re asymptomatic.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth and how serious is it? When a single wisdom tooth or multiple wisdom teeth are trapped beneath the surface of the gums, these teeth are said to be impacted. Because impacted wisdom teeth have not erupted, it makes it difficult for people to know if they have wisdom teeth. Your Plano dentist will likely detect the presence of incoming wisdom teeth early through conventional X-ray technology during regular visits for cleanings or checkups. Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth generally do not grow with proper alignment, leading to pain and infection.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful? Wisdom tooth removal is typically not a painful procedure because the area will be numb with a local anesthetic.
How long does it take to recover from a wisdom tooth removal? While the recovery period depends on the individual patent, most people will fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery over the course of 2 weeks. In this time, initial swelling of the cheeks and mouth will gradually decline.
Now that you know what foods you can eat after your wisdom teeth are remove, call or schedule an appointment with the Plano dentist and Melissa dentist to request a wisdom tooth consultation or learn more about our services at Haight Family Dentistry. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!