Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth that grow at the back of the gum. Most people want to get it removed as there is no space for a wisdom tooth to fit in naturally. Here, we will significantly discuss about teeth removal and what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
Most people have four wisdom teeth on the corner of their mouths.
Since there is very tiny space in the back of the mouth, sometimes wisdom teeth grow at an odd angle. It is known as impacted wisdom teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth might cause a lot of complications. They can damage the other tooth located near it or be infected as they are challenging to clean. This is why many individuals get rid of their wisdom teeth to solve these problems.
If you are one of those lucky people and your wisdom teeth grew usually, you do not need to remove them.
It is essential to get proper nutrients after the removal of wisdom teeth. It will help in the reduction of swelling, and your wounds will heal faster.
Soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, and you should follow a wisdom teeth food timeline.
The foods need to be easy to chew. They should have a high level of protein, minerals, and vitamins in them.
Immediately after removal of wisdom teeth, try to avoid having a dry socket. It will prolong your healing process. So, you need to avoid drinking anything with a straw and smoking for a few days.
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Foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal
Here are some foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal:
Blended Soups
Soups are great to have after your wisdom teeth removal. Have some tomato soup or mixed vegetable soup. Please make sure there are no chunks of vegetables as it will be tough to chew.
Soups are easy to and consume and do not cause any irritation to the affected area. They are also rich in nutrients and healthy to have. Since the soup is blended with water, it will also keep you hydrated. You have to make sure your soup is cold or lukewarm, so it does not cause any irritation.
Dairy products
Dairy products are also rich in vitamins, calcium, minerals, and protein. There is a variety of food options you can have. Dairy foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal are milk, yogurt, cottage cheese.
If you are going to drink your dairy products, make sure not to use a straw.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is high in protein, vitamins, calcium, and zinc. The zinc in it helps to promote healing. The texture is smooth and creamy, which helps in soothing and also can numb the pain.
Studies have shown that high protein foods help to boost the recovery process. Since you cannot consume meats that are high in zinc, so this is a fantastic substitute.
Ice cream
Suppose you are wondering if you can enjoy ice cream at this time or not. The answer is an absolute “yes.”
Cold foods are soothing and help to numb the pain. That’s why when anyone has any dental check-up, they are advised to have ice cream.
Moreover, if you have natural ice cream, they are rich in nutrients. So, ice cream and popsicle are some of the foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
Fruits have a high nutritious level as they are good sources of vitamins and fiber. But you cannot eat chunks of food after wisdom teeth removal.
Try to mash some bananas, or you can make some orange or watermelon juice. You can even make puree from tomatoes. Do not eat fruits that have seeds. They can irritate your teeth.
Smoothies and Milkshakes
If you love smoothies and milkshakes, it is a fantastic way to have vegetables, fruits, and dairy together. Either blend your fresh fruits and vegetables, or you can even buy a powdered form from the market. Do not use a straw if necessary; use a spoon instead.
Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are a multipurpose root that you can make in different forms.
Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular potato dishes. It is high in calories and other nutrients.
People need more energy after surgery, so it is a great option to have.
Again, it would help if you had it cold since hot foods will aggravate the wound.
Gelatines
Gelatines are colorless and flavorless food, and they have a gel-like consistency.
Jell-O, one of the most popular gelatines, is wholesome and also tasty. It is one of the foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal as it is soft and cold.
They are also rich in protein, which helps in healing the wound.
Gelatines come in a variety of flavors, or you can even make some in your own home.
If you are buying it from the store, make sure to purchase fluid that does not have chunks of fruits and nuts.
Eggs
After 3-4 days of the surgery, you can enjoy eggs. Eggs do not need a lot of chewing, so it is excellent to have some.
They have a lot of proteins and vitamins in them. You can make an omelet, scrambled eggs, or poached. Make sure you do not add veggies or meat to your omelet.
Chew them only using your front teeth only.
Avocado
Avocados are high in healthy fats. The texture is creamy and soft, making it an excellent food to have after the surgery.
Avocados are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
In an animal study, avocadoes helped in speeding up wound heals. However, there is no research if it does the same for humans too. But a lot of studies are going on about it now.
Mash the avocado or make a smoothie to consume it easily.
Fish
Fishes are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty acid helps in healing. Usually, canned fish are easier to eat. You can even cook some fish and make them incredibly soft to consume.
Fishes have so many varieties to choose from, so they make the perfect foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal due to their diversity.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is rich in vitamins, protein, and minerals but low in calories.
It is incredibly soft, making it an ideal meal for your post wisdom teeth removal.
You can add some to your smoothie or your scrambled eggs.
Hummus
Hummus is originally from Middle Eastern cuisine. Later it became popular globally.
It is packed with vitamins, fats, minerals, and protein. Thus, hummus is a brilliant food for somebody who had their wisdom teeth surgery.
To make hummus you need chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, and oil. Blend them in a mixer and have it. Hummus is also available in grocery stores.
You have to eat them just as it is, on the side with mains.
Applesauce
Applesauce is another way to increase your fruit intake. Apples are rich in vitamins and minerals, so it is essential to have them after surgery.
You can make a puree of it after peeling the skin. Sadly, most of the nutrients are contains in the skin, like minerals and fiber.
However, skinless apples are useful as they are rich in vitamin C.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers. They are one of the healthiest foods.
Oats are not fluid, and they are a little bit chewy. It is best to have them after 4-5 of the treatment.
Instant oats are not as chewy. So, it is advisable to have them during this healing process.
Frequently asked questions
“Can I drink coffee after wisdom tooth extraction?”
You can have coffee. But only if it is lukewarm. However, it is best to choose cold coffee. Also, avoid using straw as the suction will irritate.
“When can I eat solid foods after wisdom tooth removal?”
You need to include soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal at least for one week.
There are a lot of foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, but you should avoid solid food. Talk to your doctor about it and exactly when you can go back to your regular diet.
“Can I eat rice after tooth extraction?”
Please avoid rice as you need a do a lot of chewing before consuming it. But if you are a rice lover, then go for curd rice, khichdi, or milk rice.
Recipes of foods to eat after wisdom tooth removal
Here are a few recipes you can make at home:
Tomato soup with cauliflower
You need to take 2-3 tomatoes and make a puree of it. Then roast some mashed cauliflower in oil and add salt to your taste.
Add the puree to the cauliflower mixer and stir it for a few minutes. If you want to make it a little bit thicker, add some Greek yogurt.
Applesauce
In a pressure cooker, add the apples with water, lemon juice, and a cinnamon stick. In the cooker, you need to cook it for three to four hours.
If you have an instant pot, you need to cook it for 10-15 minutes under high pressure.
Baked potato and salmon
To make baked salmon, you need some potatoes and garlic butter sauce at first. Boil the potatoes and mash it, so it doesn’t have any chunks.
Bake the salmon and potatoes in a pre-heat oven for 10-15 minutes at 200 degrees C.
Mix the potatoes with the salmon and serve it with garlic butter sauce. Make sure you do not eat it hot. Let it cool down to room temperature and have it.
Porridge/congee
If you are someone who cannot skip the rice, try making porridge.
First, you need to wash the rice and soak it in for like an hour. Then boil the rice on medium flame. Stir it occasionally until the rice has a creamy texture.
While boiling, you can add some flavors like garlic paste. Make sure there are no chunks. Do not add pepper, as spicy food is not allowed after the wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Mango pudding
You have to take 2-3 medium size mangoes and blend them in a mixer. Add 3-4 tablespoons of sugar. You can add icing sugar since they are more nuanced.
Then add 200 ml of coconut milk and blend it again. Add water if it is too thick. Please keep it in the refrigerator.
Eat it when it is cold, as it will also calm the pain in your teeth.
Foods to avoid
Since anesthetic agents are used before the surgery, your mouth will still feel numb after the treatment.
Once you are in the comfort of your house, you need to be extremely careful what you eat. Your mouth area is already sensitive. You do not want more irritation in your mouth.
Stay away from any hot food or drinks—the foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal after the surgery but be cold or lukewarm.
Also, try to have a small portion of food. Do not put a lot of food in your mouth at the same time.
Foods to avoid:
- Spicy food
- Acidic food like citrus juice
- Any alcoholic beverages
- Nuts and seeds
- Grains like rice and roti
- Hard food like pizza or burger
- Chips
- Popcorn
Recovery time
The first 2-3 days after surgery, only eat fluids or incredibly soft and cold like curd or ice cream. Cold foods even help with the pain and are calming.
After a week, try to add more substantial food like oats and eggs. As it heals, try to add more chewy food like rice.
If you feel pain, then eat liquid food for a few more days.
Suppose it seems that the pain is still there after 10 days. Visit your dentist as there might be some complications.
Most people can go back to their routine of diet within a week.
Final thoughts
Most individuals heal from wisdom teeth removal with a week. Follow what your doctor says. There are various kinds of foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal to have many options.
Eat only liquid or semi-solid food, at least for the first few days. Include foods that are loaded with nutrients like vitamins and protein.
Soft food also does not cause any discomfort. If you have your wisdom teeth removal soon, you need to stock up on foods like eggs, hummus, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and potatoes right away.