Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure, often performed to address issues like impaction or overcrowding. Following your oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially concerning your diet, is important to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Paying careful attention to your diet during recovery contributes to a smooth experience.
Cold Food and Wisdom Teeth Recovery
After wisdom teeth removal, cold foods are generally not only permissible but also beneficial. The cool temperature can help numb the surgical area, providing immediate comfort and potentially reducing swelling. Consuming cold foods and liquids can also alleviate discomfort and help minimize inflammation around the extraction sites.
For instance, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, and popsicles are often recommended options. When choosing these, it is advisable to select varieties without chunks, nuts, or seeds that could irritate the wound or become lodged in the extraction site. It is important to consume smoothies and milkshakes with a spoon rather than a straw, as the sucking motion can create negative pressure and potentially dislodge the protective blood clot.
Recommended Foods for Post-Extraction
Beyond cold options, a diet consisting of soft, easy-to-swallow foods that require minimal chewing is advised during initial recovery. These choices help prevent irritation to the surgical site and reduce the risk of dislodging the forming blood clot, which is important for healing.
Examples of suitable foods include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked, soft pasta. Pureed soups, consumed lukewarm, and soft fruits like applesauce or mashed bananas are also excellent choices. Cottage cheese, avocado, hummus, and soft bread without a crunchy crust can provide necessary nutrients while being gentle on the healing mouth.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods should be avoided after wisdom teeth removal as they can hinder healing or lead to complications. Hot foods and liquids, such as very hot soups, coffee, or tea, can increase swelling, cause discomfort, and may dissolve the blood clot protecting the extraction site.
Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods pose a risk as they can dislodge the blood clot, irritate the wound, or get stuck in the surgical area. This category includes nuts, chips, popcorn, jerky, and tough meats. Acidic or spicy foods, such as citrus juices, vinegar-based dressings, or hot sauces, can irritate delicate healing tissue and cause pain. Small, seedy foods, including grains like rice or quinoa, can easily become lodged in the empty socket, potentially leading to infection. Alcohol should also be avoided as it can interfere with healing and interact negatively with prescribed pain medication.
Gradual Return to Regular Diet
The transition back to a regular diet after wisdom teeth removal should be gradual, guided by your comfort level and your surgeon’s instructions. For the first 24 to 48 hours, it is generally recommended to consume only liquids and very soft foods.
Around the second or third day, as initial swelling and discomfort subside, you may gradually introduce semi-soft foods. Most individuals can begin incorporating more solid foods within about a week after surgery. A full return to a normal diet, especially crunchy items, can take longer. Listen to your body and avoid any food that causes pain or discomfort throughout the healing process.