Did you know that 5 million Americans have their wisdom teeth removed every year?
It's one of the most common dental procedures and very safe. But, it can cause a fair bit of swelling and pain once it's done. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can minimize these issues and speed up recovery.
One such method is by being careful with what you eat after wisdom teeth removal, focusing on foods that won't aggravate the wound. If you're not sure what to eat after wisdom teeth removal, we've got everything you need to know right here.
Read on to find out more!
Why Do You Need to be Careful?
After a wisdom tooth extraction, you need to be careful with what you eat. In particular, you should avoid solid foods. This is because of three main reasons:
- It's easy for small bits of solid food to become stuck in the wound before it heals, which is a main cause of infection
- Opening your mouth too wide and applying pressure to the wound can add stress to the area and slow down healing
- To heal a clot needs to form over the wound and solid food can easily knock this out of the way and open the wound
After reading that, you probably won't want to risk anything by eating solid food! Fortunately, there are still plenty of foods that are safe to eat, aiding your wisdom teeth removal recovery while keeping you full. Let's take a look at some of them.
Foods to Eat
Nutrition is a key part of the recovery process. Even though you can't eat solid foods, you still need to get the nutrients you need to help your body heal the wound. Here are some healthy foods you can eat:
Mashed Potato
Mashed potato is a great way to fill your stomach without opening up your wound. Use kefir instead milk to make yours for plenty of probiotic benefits! Make sure they're thoroughly mashed, creamy, and smooth.
Baked Apples
Baked apples are both delicious and healthy. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tasty treat while you recover.
Smoothies
Blend your vegetables and fruits into a delicious smoothie for a filling food that's full of vitamins. If you're looking for a simple recipe, blend spinach, banana, apple, and oat milk for a drink that'll boost your recovery. Eat your smoothie with a spoon, never a straw.
Blended Soups and Broths
You might be struggling for main meals when you can't eat solid food after wisdom teeth removal, but soup is a great solution! Just make sure yours is fully blended with no chunks. Blended tomato and garlic soup is a fantastic option to help your body heal.
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are one of the heartier foods you can have that are still fairly soft. Just make sure you don't overcook them or they'll become too chewy and won't help your wound at all! But as long as they're soft, you should be able to eat them without moving your mouth too much.
Soft Fruits
There are plenty of soft fruits that will fill your diet with vitamins while you can't eat very much. Bananas, soft peaches, and very ripe melons are all perfectly suited to a sore mouth.
Tasty Treats to Try
Eating healthy foods is essential while you recover, but there's plenty of room for a few treats, too! You need to keep your spirits up, after all. Here are a few options to choose from:
Ice Cream
Ice cream is one of the best treats you can have after wisdom teeth removal! Not only is it super tasty and easy to eat, but the cold will also ease swelling and pain in your mouth.
Sorbet
Sorbet is very similar to ice cream but more fruity and ideal for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
Yogurts
Available in tonnes of flavors, you won't get bored of yogurts while you're recovering. From fruity flavors to rich chocolate, stock up your fridge for plenty of options.
What Foods to Avoid
Immediately after your wisdom tooth removal, the anesthetic agent used to numb your mouth will still be working. It's important to be mindful of the foods you're eating during this time to prevent any damage while your mouth is numb. For example, you might not be able to tell if a food or drink is too hot, leading to burning.
It's also important to avoid spicy foods for at least 3 days after your tooth extraction, and if you can then up to 2 weeks is ideal. If you do eat spicy foods you may find the sensitivity of your gums increasing and the pain worsening.
Any sharp foods are also an absolute no-go for a week or two! Hard pretzels, chips, and anything that's crunchy should be avoided at all costs. In general, just stick to those soft foods until your wound is healed to play it safe and avoid making the pain or swelling any worse.
Get More Advice on Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal isn't a procedure you need to worry about, and once your problematic tooth is out you'll be very happy you went through with it! Just know what to expect during recovery and everything will be fine.
If you're looking for wisdom teeth removal in Oshawa, get in touch with our team of professional dentists today. When it comes to your dental health, we're always happy to help!
