Key Takeaways:
- After the wisdom tooth removal, stay hydrated as much as possible and consume soft foods during the initial 2 to 3 days.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, and hot foods, as they can delay healing.
Apply an ice pack on the impacted area for 20 minutes from the outside to ease the pain.
Did you know that over 10 million wisdom teeth are removed every year in the US? Most surgeons and dentists suggest getting wisdom teeth extracted to avoid complications.
By the time you reach 12, almost all your milk teeth are replaced by your permanent teeth, except for some (third molars or wisdom teeth) that are yet to erupt between 17 to 21 years. In normal instances, wisdom tooth doesn’t need to be extracted. However, when you have an impacted wisdom tooth, where the tooth gets trapped in the jaw; it doesn’t erupt, and causes extreme discomfort; it needs to be removed.
If you are also planning to remove your wisdom tooth anytime soon, you must be aware of your food choices during recovery. But here arises a common question, ‘What to eat after wisdom teeth removal?’.
Food choices could be limited during the healing process. However, we have brought some scrumptious and healthy food suggestions for you after your surgery.
What to eat after Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Tip: It would be easier to do some groceries one day before the surgery so your pantry will be full when you need to make your diet food for quick healing.
To ensure your swift recovery in the best way possible, you need to have a proper list of food items you know you are allowed to eat and will definitely help with your healing.
Check out what you can eat in the first few days of your recovery period.
What to eat after Wisdom Teeth Removal - Day 1
The first day of your surgery would be a little challenging as you might feel slight discomfort and hunger, and don’t feel like eating anything. For day 1 it is suggested to stick to liquids more than solids. The food choices you have for day 1 could be:
- Blended soups
- Broths
- Greek Yogurt
- Apple sauce
- Smoothies
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Blended Soups
For blended foods, you can take any vegetable that you like, for instance, tomatoes or pumpkins are good sources of nutrition that can be consumed after surgery. If properly blended while cooking, they become easier to consume without fear of bits and pieces irritating the treated area.
Also, soups are recommended after wisdom tooth surgery as they meet your daily nutrition requirement, as you are prohibited from consuming whole vegetables and fruits. Also another beneficial point of blended soups is that they keep you hydrated, which is extremely important post-surgery.
Note: Ensure your soups are moderately warm or cold and not hot since you cannot consume hot foods to prevent irritation.
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Broths
Broths are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them the perfect food to consume after surgery.
Bone broth is known for its nutritional benefits. It is traditionally made by simmering meat with bones, some vegetables, and herbs in water to make a nutritious soup.
While more research is needed on the benefits of broth for healing, some studies reveal it may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Again, make sure you consume either cold or lukewarm broth to avoid irritation.
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Greek Yogurt
Another excellent food choice you have on your first day after your surgery is Greek yogurt. Since it is rich in protein and has a creamy texture, you would enjoy having it to ease discomfort.
Studies have shown that zinc and calcium fasten the healing process and are incredibly beneficial to consume after surgery.
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Apple Sauce
While it’s not a good idea to consume solids on the first day after your surgery, it is not recommended either to deprive yourself of fruits as they are necessary for a healthy recovery.
Apples are crunchy and not fit to consume in a solid form after a wisdom tooth surgery. However, you can consume apple sauce, also called apple puree, to meet your nutritional requirements and promote recovery.
Try not to use the apple skin as a skinless apple is said to be rich in vitamin C. It will boost your immune system and accelerate your wound-healing process.
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Smoothies
Smoothies are quick, easy to consume, and highly versatile meals. When you can’t have solids, smoothies are your best food choice to fulfill your daily nutritional needs.
The best thing about them is that you can customize them in any way you want and meet your nutritional goals. For instance, you can make a smoothie by adding a scoop of protein powder to Greek yogurt.
Also, you can use your choice of fruits and vegetables and blend them all with your choice of protein.
Also Read: What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
What to eat after Wisdom Teeth Removal - Day 2
As you reach your second day, you can start consuming solids gradually. However, don’t begin with rock-hard solids with no nutritional benefits. Here we have listed some solids choices to initiate your solid diet.
- Hummus
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Ice cream and sorbets
- Jell-O and pudding
- Instant oatmeal
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Hummus
Hummus is commonly known as a dip for Middle Eastern Cuisine and is quite popular around the world.
It is a great choice of food for those who just got their wisdom tooth removed a day ago. It is full of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
To make it at home, blend some chickpeas, tahini, lemon, olive oil, and garlic in a jar or a food processor and store it in a container. It will stay good for 4 to 5 days. Alternatively, you can purchase premade hummus from grocery stores.
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Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes contain carbs and fiber that make them fit to consume after wisdom tooth removal. To make it at home, boil some potatoes and mash them. Then add butter, milk, salt, and black pepper as per your liking, and it’s done.
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Scramble Eggs
Eggs are considered the best food choice post-wisdom tooth removal. Not just are they rich in high-quality protein but they contain vitamins and minerals necessary for healing. Try getting eggs that are either pasteurized or enriched in omega-3.
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Ice Cream and Sorbets
Dentists recommend eating ice-creams after getting your tooth removed and the same rule goes for wisdom teeth. It helps soothe the inflammation and numbs the treated area for a while.
Note: Avoid having ice creams in cones as they will exert pressure on your tooth, and the bits and pieces may get stuck in the extraction area.
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Jell-O and Pudding
Gelatin desserts and puddings are other dentist-approved solids fit to consume from the second day after the surgery. They come in a variety of flavors and have the recipe on their packaging. You can take help from the box and quickly make your meal within a few minutes.
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Instant Oatmeal
Oatmeal is, in general, a highly nutritious food as it contains a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Since oatmeal is sticky and chewy, consuming them 48 or 72 hours after wisdom tooth removal is better.
While oatmeal also comes in different forms, you can check or ask your dentist which forms you can consume on the second day of your surgery.
Can you eat Solid Food 2 Days after Wisdom?
While it depends on the patient’s condition, starting solids as soon as possible is better to avoid complications. Some smooth forms of solids like puddings, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc can be consumed from the second day of the surgery.
What can I eat Day 3 after Wisdom Teeth?
You can mix and match the food options of day 1 and day 2 to make your meal for the 3rd day. For instance, smoothies, oatmeal, Jell-O, apple sauce, Greek yogurt, animal proteins, etc.
Can I eat Ramen after Wisdom Teeth Removal?
While you can eat ramen after wisdom tooth removal, it is best to pair it with a homemade broth so that it can be full of nutrients and promote swift recovery. Also, ensure it is not too hot, as it could irritate the treated area.
How long after Wisdom Teeth can I eat Normal Food?
The healing time majorly depends on the patient. However, it is advisable to gradually introduce normal foods to your diet based on your level of comfort. Typically, dental surgery takes 6 weeks to heal fully, so you can continue eating normally after 3 to 4 weeks of your extraction.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth extraction is painful but heals fast if you follow a healthy diet. If you have just extracted your wisdom tooth, we highly recommend following our suggested diet to heal quickly. Also, avoid consuming grains, crackers, alcohol, and chewy and spicy foods, as they may delay your wound healing process.