What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Jake Newby
| 4 min read
If you are reading this, you probably have an uncomfortable surgery coming up. Or, you just had one and you’re trying to figure out what you can and can’t eat while recovering from your wisdom tooth removal procedure.
Below is a quick rundown on what to do when you have your wisdom teeth removed, followed up by foods you can eat, foods to avoid and creative ways to approach your temporary diet.
What should I know before getting my wisdom teeth removed?
All permanent teeth come in by about the age of 13, except for wisdom teeth. These teeth typically appear between the ages of 18 and 25, which is also the age range people typically have them removed.
If you have to have your wisdom teeth – also known as a third set of molars – removed, it’s usually because they don’t have room to grow. This can cause them to become impacted, which can lead to complications such as pain, infection and damage to your surrounding teeth.
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you any pain or issues – like swelling or plaque buildup – then you don’t need to have them removed.
Wisdom teeth extraction typically takes 40 to 60 minutes, and you’ll usually need to be sedated with anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during the surgery. If you do receive anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure as it can take up to two hours for the medication to wear off.
Mild to moderate pain is normal for three to four days after your wisdom teeth are removed, according to Web MD. Recovery usually takes between one and two weeks, and most people can resume school, work and other normal activities after a few days. Since everyone heals differently, talk to your surgeon about what to expect after your procedure.
How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat?
You can eat as soon as your appointment ends if you have the appetite, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which recommends sticking to a soft food diet for the first three to five days before adding more solid foods as your comfort level allows.
What foods can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Your surgeon will give you a list of foods you can eat after your surgery and should let you know how long you need to alter your diet. It’s particularly important to eat only soft foods for the first 24 hours after your wisdom teeth are removed, according to the Mayo Clinic. Foods on your surgeon’s list will likely include:
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Cooked vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Milkshakes*
- Oatmeal
- Pureed bananas and seedless melons
- Pureed vegetables, such as cauliflower
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies*
- Soups
- Yogurts
*Avoid using a straw when drinking a milkshake or smoothie and either drink these straight or use a spoon. Drinking through a straw can dislodge blood clots and cause dry sockets, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dry socket is a painful dental condition that occurs when a blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction does not form, comes out or dissolves before the wound has healed.
It’s OK to get creative as long as you adhere to the “soft food” parameters, too. Some other soft dishes to try that may not be on your surgeon’s recommended foods list can include:
- Dal (a specific Indian lentil curry)
- Grits
- Lentil dishes
- Palak paneer and other mild curry dishes
- Polenta
- Risotto
- Steamed tofu
What foods should I avoid after wisdom teeth removal?
Hard, crunchy foods can damage your gums and slow down the healing process. Most people should also avoid spicy foods and acidic foods – such as citrusy fruits and sweets – as they can also irritate the gums and sockets. Finally, seeds and other small particles can get stuck in the sockets. Factoring in this advice, here specific foods to avoid:
- Candy
- Cereal
- Crackers
- Foods with very hot and cold temperatures, such as ice cream
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Quinoa, rice and most other grains
- Raw vegetables
- Seeds
- Tough meats
You should also avoid alcohol, cigarettes and chewing tobacco for the first few days after surgery, all of which can slow the healing process. Conversely, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water after having your wisdom teeth removed can help you heal faster. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members are encouraged to visit the Blue Dental Resource Center where they can learn more about dental wellness and creating healthy habits, as well as access important benefit information and find a dentist.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
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