WHAT TO EAT AFTER WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars and are located in the very back of your mouth. They typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. It is very common to have your wisdom teeth removed as they can cause issues down the road. The wisdom teeth may need to be removed when they are impacted as they will not come in naturally. They may also need to be removed if they come in at an angle as this can cause your other teeth to crowd or shift.

During the surgery to remove wisdom teeth, patients are given anesthesia. Many dentists or oral surgeons use a local anesthetic, sedation or general anesthesia. If your teeth have not come in yet, your surgeon will need to make incisions in the gum or bone to remove them. They may even need to remove portions of bone if it is blocking access to the root of the wisdom tooth. Once the teeth are completely removed, the dentist will clean the area and close the incision site with stitches, if needed. Gauze will also be placed over the extraction site.

It is important to follow instructions and pay attention to what you eat following surgery. Soft foods or liquid will help ensure the extraction site is not irritated. This will also help ensure you heal faster. Some foods and drinks can cause irritation or easily get trapped in the extraction sites, which can lead to infection.

What to eat following the removal of wisdom teeth

Immediately following the removal of your wisdom teeth and during recovery, it is important to start slowly with only liquids and soft foods that do not require you to chew which will help avoid unnecessary pain. You should avoid eating hard or sharp foods during the recovery period as they can cause damage and get trapped in the recovering areas.

Some examples of soft foods which are recommended following surgery include:

• apple sauce
• yogurt
• smoothies
• broths or soups
• mashed potatoes
• Jell-O
• pudding
• ice cream

Cold foods such as ice cream can help relieve pain. Opt for nutritious options like soups and smoothies which can help promote healing.

As your mouth begins to heal, you can start incorporating normal food. Be sure to start by introducing semisoft foods such as scrambled eggs, oatmeal and toast before moving onto solid foods.

Foods to avoid after wisdom teeth removal

Below are some foods which should be avoided for a week after wisdom teeth removal. These foods may cause irritation and pain

• Citrus juice, acidic and spicy foods
• Alcoholic beverages
• Grains (ex. rice and quinoa) and seeds which can get stuck in the extraction site
• Hard, crunchy foods such as nuts, chips, and jerky

You should also avoid smoking or using any type of tobacco products for at least 3 days following surgery. Tobacco can greatly increase the risk of serious complications. Chewing tobacco should be avoided for at least a week.

Recovery timeline

As your recovery progresses, you can start incorporating more solid foods. Gradually continue to increase solid foods but remember, chewing shouldn’t cause any pain. If there is any pain when chewing, return to the soft and semisoft foods. Many people can resume their normal eating within a week after surgery.

More on Wisdom Teeth Extraction / Removal : Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Extraction