After wisdom teeth removal, your diet plays a significant role in a smooth recovery. Paying careful attention to what you eat and drink helps prevent complications like dry socket and infection, while promoting faster healing of the surgical sites. Following dietary guidelines from your oral surgeon is an important part of your post-operative care.
Your Diet Immediately After Surgery
For the first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom teeth extraction, consume only very soft foods and liquids that require minimal chewing. This soft diet helps protect delicate surgical sites and allows blood clots to form undisturbed, which is crucial for healing. Acceptable options include yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
You can also include pureed soups, warm broths, and soft scrambled eggs. Smoothies and milkshakes are suitable, but ensure they are consumed without a straw. These foods are easy to swallow, reduce jaw movement, and are unlikely to irritate the surgical area.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
During recovery, strictly avoid certain foods and drinks to prevent complications. Crunchy foods like chips, popcorn, and nuts can get lodged in extraction sites, potentially dislodging blood clots or causing irritation. Sticky foods such as caramel or chewing gum can pull on stitches or disrupt healing tissue.
Spicy or acidic foods, including citrus juices and vinegar-based dressings, can irritate sensitive surgical areas, increasing discomfort. Very hot foods and liquids, such as hot coffee or soup, should also be avoided as they can increase swelling and dissolve the blood clot. Alcohol and carbonated beverages are discouraged because they can interfere with healing or cause irritation.
Gradually Reintroducing Foods
After the initial 24 to 48 hours (typically days 3-7), you can gradually reintroduce slightly firmer, easy-to-chew foods. This progression should be slow, allowing your body to adapt without discomfort. Examples include soft pasta, well-cooked vegetables, tender fish, or soft bread without crusts.
Return to softer foods if chewing causes pain. Avoid chewing directly on extraction sites to protect healing areas. Most individuals can typically return to their normal diet within about one week, provided healing progresses well.
Hydration and General Eating Tips
Staying well-hydrated is crucial for a healthy recovery, as water helps flush toxins and supports healing. Sip water throughout the day to maintain hydration. Avoid using straws for at least 7 to 10 days after surgery.
The suction created by a straw can dislodge the blood clot in the empty socket, leading to dry socket. Always drink directly from a cup. Eating slowly, taking small bites, and gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after meals helps keep the surgical area clean and promotes healing.