Leena Watts
Wisdom teeth removal is a minor surgery that can be distressing for patients, with a recovery time of up to two weeks. During this period, patients must be cautious about what they eat and drink to ensure proper healing. The first few days after the surgery are critical, with patients advised to consume only liquid and soft foods to avoid irritating the extraction site. This liquid diet helps to promote healing and prevent complications such as dry sockets, which can be extremely painful. As healing progresses, patients can gradually introduce semi-soft and solid foods, but it is important to monitor discomfort and adjust the diet accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet after wisdom teeth removal | Liquid and soft foods only for the first 24-48 hours |
| First two hours after extraction | Avoid eating anything |
| Foods to eat in the first 24-48 hours | Yogurt, apple sauce, ice cream, lukewarm soup, broth, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soft vegetables, cottage cheese |
| Semi-soft foods | Introduce after 24-48 hours: eggs, oatmeal, toast, pasta, chicken, fruits |
| Return to normal diet | After 7-14 days |
| Things to avoid | Spicy food, alcohol, grains, dairy products |
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Soft and liquid foods to eat
It is recommended to eat soft or liquid foods for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. Typically, most people can return to their normal diet within a week after surgery. However, if the recovery is going well, a person can gradually try other, more solid foods after a few days. Here are some soft and liquid food options to eat during the recovery process:
- Soups: Blended soups such as tomato or pumpkin soup are great to eat during the first five days after wisdom tooth removal. They are easy to consume and don't contain bits that could irritate the surgical site. Make sure to keep the soup lukewarm to avoid irritating your mouth.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a good option that doesn't require chewing. Opt for plain or flavoured yogurt, and avoid adding crunchy toppings or granola that can irritate the extraction site.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a soft and nourishing option that can be easily eaten after wisdom tooth removal. It can be prepared with milk or water and sweetened with honey or fruit purees.
- Smoothies: Smoothies are a popular choice as they allow you to combine different nutrients in a smooth, digestible way. You can blend a variety of fruits and vegetables, but avoid fruits with small seeds, as they may get stuck in the wound.
- Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a comforting option after wisdom tooth removal. Make sure they are completely smooth and lukewarm before consuming. You can add butter, milk, or water to loosen the mash.
- Scrambled Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a semi-soft food option that you can start eating once you're ready to slowly chew with your other teeth. Prepare them soft and moist to minimise chewing.
- Fish: Fish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which may aid in wound healing by reducing inflammation. Choose soft, flaky fish like salmon and avoid crispy or breaded preparations.
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Soft fruits like bananas and avocados, and cooked vegetables such as carrots or pumpkin, can be mashed or pureed to make them easier to eat. Ensure they are fully mashed and cooled before consuming.
- Broths: Warm broths provide nourishment and hydration without requiring chewing. You can sip them throughout the day to stay nourished and hydrated.
- Ice Cream: Ice cream is a soft and soothing option that can also help with pain relief. Opt for plain or flavoured ice cream, but avoid crunchy mix-ins that can irritate the extraction site.
Remember, it is important to prioritise soft and liquid foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and energy to support your recovery. Always monitor how you feel after meals and evaluate your comfort level. If you experience discomfort or difficulty chewing, stick to softer foods for a longer period.
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Foods to avoid
It is important to avoid certain foods and drinks after wisdom tooth removal to ensure the wound heals properly and to avoid complications. Here is a list of foods and drinks to avoid:
Solid and Hard Foods
Solid and hard foods should be avoided for at least the first few days after the procedure. Hard foods can irritate the wound, cause pain, and even open the stitches. They can also dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, leading to a condition called dry socket, where nerves and bone are exposed, resulting in pain and infection. Solid and hard foods include:
- Crunchy foods
- Chewy foods
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
Straws and Suction
Avoid using straws or anything that creates suction in your mouth, such as vigorously swishing liquids around, for at least the first 48 hours after the extraction. The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot, delaying healing and potentially leading to dry socket.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can irritate the gums and wound, interfere with anaesthesia and medications, and increase the risk of infection. It is recommended to avoid them for at least 24 hours before and after surgery.
Tobacco and Nicotine
Tobacco and nicotine products, such as cigarettes, vape pens, and chewing tobacco, can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection. It is recommended to avoid these products for at least a week after surgery, with complete nicotine cessation being ideal for optimal healing.
Sugary Foods and Beverages
Avoid overly sugary foods and beverages, especially during the first 48 hours after surgery when you should not use a mouth rinse. Sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay and promote the growth of bacteria, potentially leading to oral infections.
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How to eat
Eating after wisdom teeth removal requires careful consideration of what you consume to ensure wounds heal properly. Here is a detailed guide on how to eat after wisdom teeth removal:
Day 1
For the first two hours after the extraction, do not eat anything. For the rest of the day, focus on consuming liquids and very soft foods that require no chewing. Suitable foods include yoghurt, ice cream, lukewarm soup, mashed potatoes, jelly, and smoothies. Ensure liquids are not too hot or cold, and avoid using a straw as this can create a suction vacuum in your mouth, risking dislodging the blood clot over the extraction site.
Day 2
Continue with soft foods and liquids, but you can start adding some more semi-soft foods like eggs, cottage cheese, and oatmeal if your mouth's sensitivity has reduced. If your mouth is still very tender, stick to soft foods.
Day 3
By the third day, your swelling should be reducing, and you can introduce slightly harder, semi-soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, and soft vegetables. You can also eat scrambled eggs for some protein.
Day 4 onwards
After the first three days of recovery, you may start implementing soft foods into your diet, gradually transitioning to harder foods. However, if there is still a lot of pain, delay introducing solid foods. Generally, within the first seven days following the extraction, you should be able to return to your normal diet. Continue to pay attention to any pain or discomfort when you eat, and try to only consume foods that are comfortable. It is important to chew away from the extraction site to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
Foods to avoid
- Alcohol, as it can irritate the gums and wound.
- Hard foods, as they can cause stitches to open, leading to longer recovery times.
- Grains, as they can get stuck in the wound and cause problems with healing.
- Spicy foods, as they can irritate the gums and surrounding area.
- Sugary, sticky, or acidic foods, as they can cause problems during the early stages of healing.
- Popcorn, peanuts, seeds, or chips for at least two weeks after surgery to prevent infection from impacted food debris.
- Tobacco and nicotine products, as they can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
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Recovery time
For the first two hours after the extraction, it is recommended to refrain from eating or drinking anything. Once this initial period has passed, you can start consuming liquids and soft foods. This includes broths, yoghurt, ice cream, soups, smoothies, and apple sauce. It is important to maintain a lukewarm temperature with these foods and drinks to avoid irritating the mouth. Staying hydrated with water is also recommended.
After the first 24 to 48 hours, you can start introducing semi-soft foods if your mouth sensitivity has reduced. Examples include eggs, oatmeal, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, pasta, and soft vegetables. It is normal to still experience limited jaw movement and discomfort, so it is important to listen to your body and adjust your diet accordingly. If you are still experiencing a lot of pain, it is advisable to delay the introduction of semi-solid foods.
By the second or third day, you may be able to transition to slightly harder foods. However, it is important to avoid hard foods that can damage or get trapped in the recovery site, such as grains and rice, as they can cause problems with healing and potentially lead to infection. It is generally recommended to wait at least seven days before incorporating solid foods into your diet again. This is because solid foods can injure the recovery site, causing pain, bleeding, or dislodging the blood clot, which is crucial for healing.
Throughout the recovery process, it is important to monitor how you feel after meals and evaluate whether you need to adjust your diet accordingly. It is also crucial to follow the specific recommendations provided by your dental professional to ensure a safe and effective recovery.
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Complications
Another common complication is a dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged from the tooth socket. This can happen if a vacuum is created in the mouth, for example, through the use of a straw or by spitting, rinsing, or aggressive chewing. Dry socket typically occurs between three and five days after tooth removal, and symptoms include an unpleasant taste or smell, and throbbing pain in the gum or jaw.
Infections can also occur if food particles or bacteria become trapped in the socket. Symptoms of an infection include pain, swelling, and discharge. If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body.
Other possible complications include:
- Paresthesia: Numbing of the lower jaw, lip, and tongue, which can be temporary or permanent.
- Increased risk of infection: Tobacco and nicotine products can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
- Discomfort and delayed healing: Spicy dishes can promote inflammation and pain, while sticky foods can adhere to extraction sites or get stuck in sutures, causing discomfort and delaying recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to stick to a liquid diet for the first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom teeth removal. During this time, you should consume only liquids and very soft foods that require no chewing, such as yoghurt, ice cream, apple sauce, and lukewarm broth or soup.
After the initial 48 hours, you can start incorporating semi-soft foods into your diet, such as eggs, oatmeal, toast, mashed potatoes, pasta, and soft vegetables. Continue to monitor your comfort level and avoid chewing aggressively near the extraction site.
Most people can resume their normal diet within one to two weeks after wisdom teeth removal. However, it's important to listen to your body and consult with your dentist or oral surgeon for personalized advice based on your specific healing progress.
