Had Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? Here’s What's on the Post-Surgery Menu

After having their wisdom teeth removed many people experience very little pain while others are not so fortunate. However, it's important to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet, and the first week of food choices is crucial for proper healing and for preventing infection. Here are some foods that are ideal menu selections for the first few days along with culinary options that you should avoid.

Foods That Oral Surgeons Recommend After Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Your dental professional will give you a long list of ‘dos and don’ts’ post-surgery, and you should follow them to a tee for optimal healing. The first 48-72 hours often include very soft foods and mild liquids. The less you chew, the less disruption there is to the healing site and the less pain you’ll experience.

Food recommendations after wisdom teeth removal include:

• Applesauce—Low sugar types if possible
• Yogurt, Oatmeal & Smoothies—Nutrient rich foods that promote healing
• Broths & Soups—Excellent sources for nourishment post-surgery
• Pudding & Ice Cream—Chilled pudding and cold ice cream can help relieve discomfort
• Mashed Bananas or Mashed Potatoes—Filling and creamy foods that boast vitamins
• Scrambled Eggs—Soft, protein-rich eggs are a top choice after oral surgery
  
  

Work from softer foods to more moderate foods like fruits, vegetables and toast as you feel comfortable doing so and as recommended by the dental professional. It’s often best to save meats and foods that require a lot of chewing until five days after your procedure. Most people resume normal eating and drinking patterns within seven days.

Foods, Drinks and Vices to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Naturally, there are going to be foods and drinks that you should avoid after your surgery, as certain things can irritate the extraction site and delay healing or cause complications. Avoid the following for the duration of the healing process.

• Spicy or acidic foods and drinks that can source pain and irritation.
• Grains such as rice or quinoa that have seeds that may lodge in the healing site.
• Alcoholic drinks will not only interactive negatively with any prescribed medications, but these beverages can irritate the surgery site.
• Hard foods and those that are difficult to chew such as chips, nuts and grainy meats.
  
  

Your oral surgeon will also advise you to avoid the use of chewing tobacco or smoking for at least 72 hours up to a week in order to promote proper healing.

The Bottom Line

You’re more likely to recover more quickly from your wisdom tooth removal surgery by following these guidelines and those provided by your dental care provider. Simply eating and drinking the right foods and avoiding a few no-no’s can expedite your healing.

Trust Your Smile to the Dental Experts at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

If you are in need of oral surgery such as having your wisdom teeth removed, the experienced surgeons at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery serve all the greater Houston area through several conveniently located offices. Contact us today to schedule a consultation concerning your dental needs.