Wisdom teeth extraction can be a daunting procedure, and it is natural to have questions about the recovery process. One of the most common concerns is what to eat after wisdom tooth extraction. It is important to follow a proper diet to avoid any complications and promote healing.
With this in mind, we have put together a comprehensive guide on what to eat after wisdom tooth extraction. In this article, we will discuss soft foods that are easy to eat, and foods to avoid and answer some frequently asked questions about post-extraction diets.
Whether you are recovering from or preparing for the procedure, this guide will give you the information needed to maintain a healthy diet and ensure a smooth recovery after wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne.
Wisdom teeth extraction can be a daunting procedure, and it is natural to have questions about the recovery process. One of the most common concerns is what to eat after wisdom tooth extraction. It is important to follow a proper diet to avoid any complications and promote healing.
With this in mind, we have put together a comprehensive guide on what to eat after wisdom tooth extraction. In this article, we will discuss soft foods that are easy to eat, and foods to avoid and answer some frequently asked questions about post-extraction diets.
Whether you are recovering from or preparing for the procedure, this guide will give you the information needed to maintain a healthy diet and ensure a smooth recovery after wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne.
Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The recovery time for wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on the number of teeth extracted, the patient’s age, and overall health. Generally, it takes about 7 to 10 days to recover fully. During this time, it is important to follow the dentist’s instructions for proper care, including diet, rest, and oral hygiene. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that grow at the back of the mouth. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience problems like overcrowding, impacted teeth, infection, or gum disease. In such cases, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. The procedure involves numbing the area around the tooth and making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist may have to remove some of the surrounding bone. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will close the incision with stitches.Post-Extraction Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Various foods are available to eat during your recovery period. However, it is not all foods that you should eat.Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After wisdom tooth extraction, your teeth and gums become sore and sensitive. It is crucial to avoid certain foods that can cause irritation, infection, or delay the healing process. Here is a list of foods to avoid:- Spicy or acidic foods: These can irritate the extraction site and cause discomfort.
- Crunchy, chewy, or hard foods: These can get stuck in the extraction site or damage the blood clot, which is necessary for healing. It is best to avoid these foods because they put pressure on the sore extraction site.
- Hot foods or drinks: These can dissolve the blood clot and delay the healing process.
- Alcohol and tobacco: These can slow down healing and increase the risk of infection.
When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?
After tooth extraction, patients always ask when they can start eating solid foods again. It is essential to allow the extraction site to heal properly before introducing solid foods to avoid damaging the area or causing a tooth infection. Typically, you should stick to a soft food diet for the first 24 to 48 hours after the extraction. After this initial period, you can gradually introduce solid foods based on your level of comfort and the advice of your dentist. Here is a general timeline of when you can start eating solid foods after tooth extraction:- 24 to 48 hours after the extraction: Stick to a soft food diet and avoid solid foods.
- 3 to 4 days after the extraction: You can start introducing soft, non-chewy foods like cooked vegetables, soft fruits, and well-cooked pasta or rice.
- 5 to 7 days after the extraction: You can start adding firmer foods like chicken, fish, and well-cooked meat.
- 7 to 10 days after the extraction: You can gradually start reintroducing harder foods like bread, crackers, and raw vegetables.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Day 1
The first day after wisdom teeth removal can be challenging when it comes to eating. It is common to experience swelling and pain in the extraction site, making it difficult to consume solid foods. Hence, you need to eat soft foods. Here are some soft foods you can eat on the first day after wisdom teeth removal:- Broth: Sipping on warm broth can provide essential nutrients and help keep you hydrated.
- Jell-O or Pudding: These sweet treats are soft and easy to consume, making them an excellent option for the first day.
- Smoothies and Milkshakes: Blended fruits and vegetables are easy to swallow and provide the necessary vitamins and minerals.
- Yoghurt: Soft and creamy yoghurt is an excellent source of protein and probiotics, which can promote healing.
- Apple Sauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a great option for a sweet and soft snack.
What Can I Eat 7 Days After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Here are some food options you can consider for the first 7 days after wisdom teeth removal:- Broth and soup: Clear broths and soups can provide the necessary nutrients and are easy to swallow.
- Smoothies: Smoothies made with soft fruits, yoghurt, and protein powder are excellent sources of nutrients and hydration.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are easy to chew and swallow and provide a good source of carbohydrates.
- Scrambled eggs: Soft, scrambled eggs are a good source of protein and can be easily chewed and swallowed.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is a soft and nutritious meal that can provide you with fibre and vitamin C.
- Cottage cheese: Soft cheese like cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and can be a good addition to your diet.
- Avocado: Avocado is soft and full of healthy fats and nutrients that can be added to smoothies or eaten on their own.
- Ice cream or frozen yoghurt: While high in sugar and calories, ice cream or frozen yoghurt can be a good source of nutrients and can help soothe your sore mouth.
List of Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
It is important to have a list of foods you can eat during recovery. This will help you create a recovery meal plan, while still maintaining a balanced diet. Ensure the foods have a soft texture and are not crunchy.50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
While it is important to only eat healthy foods that are soft and easy to chew. We have compiled a list of 50 soft foods you can eat after tooth extraction:- Mashed Potatoes
- Scrambled Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Yoghurt
- Cottage Cheese
- Pudding
- Jell-O
- Apple Sauce
- Banana
- Avocado
- Cooked Carrots
- Cooked Squash
- Mashed Sweet Potato
- Hummus
- Soft Tofu
- Applesauce
- Steamed Fish
- Lentil Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Broccoli Soup
- Split Pea Soup
- Tomato Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Chicken Broth
- Vegetable Broth
- Protein Shakes
- Kefir
- Nut Butter
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Cooked Beets
- Cooked Spinach
- Gravy
- Creamed Spinach
- Cooked Green Beans
- Baked Beans
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Soft Cheese
- Grits
- Quiche
- Soft Scrambled Tofu
- Cooked Lentils
- Porridge
- Creamed Corn
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Creamed Chipped Beef
- Soft Polenta
- Soft Boiled Eggs
Foods that Promote Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
In addition to sticking to a soft food diet, certain foods can help promote healing after wisdom tooth extraction. These include:- Foods rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which helps with wound healing. Eat fruits such as oranges, kiwis, and strawberries, or vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.
- Foods high in protein: Protein is crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. Eat lean meats, eggs, tofu, and legumes.
- Foods high in zinc: Zinc is necessary for immune function and wound healing. Eat foods such as beef, pork, chicken, beans, and nuts.
- Foods high in iron: Iron is necessary for red blood cell production and oxygen transport. Eat foods such as spinach, beans, lentils, and red meat.
Nutritious Foods to Include in Your Post-Extraction Diet
Eating nutritious foods can help with healing and overall health. Here are some nutritious foods to include in your post-extraction diet:- Leafy greens: Rich in vitamins and minerals, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and lettuce can promote healing and overall health.
- Fruits: Fruits such as berries, apples, and bananas are rich in vitamins and fibre and can aid in digestion and overall health.
- Whole grains: Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread can provide the necessary fibre and nutrients.
- Lean proteins: Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes are rich in protein and can promote healing and overall health.